NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia’s growing wine industry is facing new challenges linked to climate change — including a tiny insect that poses an outsized risk to vineyards.

At Summerwind Vineyard in Smithfield, owner Kim Pugh says warmer winters have fueled a surge in leafhoppers, insects that spread a deadly bacteria called Xylella fastidiosa . The disease, known as Pierce’s Disease, can kill grapevines and devastate crops.

“The problem is the winters are not getting cold enough to kill off this vector that is transmitting this disease,” Pugh said.

Without freezing temperatures to limit their numbers, more leafhoppers survive year to year, spreading the disease. At Summerwind, Pugh said the impact has been severe, with about 70% of the vineyard compromised and rows of vines torn out.

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