Disappearing polar bears and record-breaking heat waves are troubling. But they don't hit as close to home as this: Global warming [0] could mean that the Pacific Coast's wine [0] country will be a dim memory.

According to Appellation America, [1] the wine-makers in Napa Valley, Sonoma and other California regions are feeling the heat. And they fear that climate changes [1] could ultimately destroy their vineyards [1].

A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle [2] cited a Purdue University study, which found that more very hot days during the growing seasons could jeapordize California's premium wine regions. If global warming [2] continues, it's likely to wipe out the state's $2.9 billion industry by the century's end.

Currently, Napa Valley and other wine-rich areas in Northern California have ideal weather for grape [2] cultivation, thanks to the fog and the drastic temperature changes from day to night. These conditions are essential to make Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

But California, Oregon and Washington have seen their growing season temperatures spike by 1.5 degrees F in recent years. They've also seen more very hot days (near 100 degrees F), which can ruin grape crops.

All in all, this is very troubling news for tipplers everywhere. As much as I like wine, I've never really understood why someone would need a cellar to house umpteen bottles of the stuff. Now, unfortunately, I get it.