The night frost has had a devastating effect on the Limburg wine industry, with an estimated 80% to 90% of the vines damaged. Jules Nijst from Domain de Wijngaardsberg in Ulestraten speaks of “serious havoc” and reports that almost all wine growers in the Heuvelland have been affected. The frost, especially during the night from Monday to Tuesday, affected the young shoots of the plants, as a result of which the harvest appears to have been largely lost. Although the plants themselves will likely survive, the damaged buds will not produce fruit this year, resulting in a reduced grape harvest.
A similar scenario is underway in Burgundy, France. Night frost has hit winegrowers in the region, damaging a significant portion of the vineyards there as well. Although the exact extent of the damage has yet to be determined, many farmers fear a significant reduction in yields, despite the use of modern technologies such as anti-freeze wind turbines and sprinkling techniques.
