Wine producers in France and other parts of Europe were hit hard by several cold nights in April with temperatures far below zero. The warm temperatures earlier this spring had led to early budding in many places, and when the frost hit (unusually severe frost), the devastation was significant, despite the measures taken. The financial losses will be considerable, although it is impossible at the moment to say exactly how much of the future harvest is lost.
In Champagne, it is estimated that 25-30% of the buds have been destroyed. In the Rhône Valley, it is believed to be 30-60%. It varies between different regions and different producers, but virtually all French regions are affected, to a greater or lesser extent. The French Prime Minister has promised financial support.
There are great uncertainties in how much effect it will have on the harvest quantity. To some extent, the frozen vines can recover, but they will hardly bear useful fruit. But if the weather is good the rest of the season, plentiful grapes in undamaged areas can to some extent compensate for the losses. I guess many regret (for example in Champagne) that they artificially limited last year’s harvest, which otherwise could have been abundant.
You can try to protect yourself in different ways: burn candles or gas fires, spray water, burn hay bales, fly by helicopter, use a propeller tower, cover with tarpaulin, heat with electric cable etc. But all is expensive.
