Mental Mapping to Explore the Risk Landscape of Wine Producers in the Face of Climate Change

Abstract This study uses individual mental mapping to examine the risk environment of Hungarian vine growers. While the focus is on the challenges posed by climate change, it is important to note that grape growers do not respond only to climate change but also to the complex environment that surrounds them. This research focuses on the Mátra wine region and explores how climate change affects market, institutional, financial, and labour market risks. Through qualitative interviews and collaborative mental mapping exercises, this study reveals that producers are confronted with an intricate and interconnected web of risks. Although short-term adaptation practices to the negative effects of climate change are common, long-term strategic responses remain limited. Institutional inflexibility, particularly regarding regulations on grape varieties and support schemes, further restricts their capacity for adaptation.