Provence harvest begins after most vineyards escape weather damage

By Emily Kearns, Lucy Britner

Published: 23 August, 2013

Vineyards in Provence have escaped wide-scale weather damage and the harvest looks set to begin this month.

Flash rainstorms and hail swept through the Saint-Victoire region in mid-July, according to Vins de Provence.

But the generic body said in a statement: "Although damage was regrettable locally, the storm was confined and ultimately affected no more than 10sq km. Winemakers hope the ensuing dry weather will continue, to help protect the crops damaged in this area."

The vines flowered 15 days late in Provence this year, but warm summer temperatures have since allowed winemakers to catch up, and grape picking is forecast to begin in late August.

Vins de Provence continued: "Save for the Saint-Victoire hailstorm the weather in Provence has been favourable this year - vineyards received generous rainfall in the early season, mildew remained under control, and the Mistral wind continued to play its crucial role in keeping the vines healthy."

The harvest this year is expected to be higher than that of 2012, and Vins de Provence added "2013 promises to be a sound vintage for the region".

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