Wine and beer lovers face an uncertain future. While climate change is a distant consideration for many global businesses, grapes and grains are on the front line.

The good news for those who like a tipple is that alcoholic-drinks makers are among businesses leading the way in devising technology to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Gradual paucity of water for grapevines and barley is high on the agenda of companies including the world's second-largest listed vintner by market value, Treasury Wine Estates, and the world's biggest alcoholic-drinks maker, Diageo.