In order to protect endangered vines from late frost, hundreds of small controlled fires were lit on a total of 28 hectares of the Schloss Wackerbarth state winery early on Tuesday morning. In total, over 100,000 vines were to be protected and possible yield losses avoided. Temperatures below freezing point are a particular threat to young shoots, which can then die, explained Wackerbarth spokesman Martin Junge.
"It was good that we were out in the vineyard this morning," said Junge - because it was a clear night without clouds. He is cautiously optimistic that the fires were successful. "The vines still look good." In the coming days, the winegrowers will continue to monitor the weather forecast and keep an eye on the night-time temperatures.
"The situation is not comparable to 2024, with sub-zero temperatures for hours and frost descending from above," said Junge. The weather situation was more like that of previous years, with local frost on the ground and cloudless skies. This is extremely unfavorable for the young shoots, which can turn brown and die due to the sudden cold. In the past, he says, they could be protected from damage with the help of frost candles and smoke.
