The hail hit the vineyards of Vienna; the extent of the damage is still uncertain. The timing couldn’t be more disastrous. The harvest should start in September.
Thousands of Viennese were surprised by storm and hail in the vineyards on Saturday evening. Many have taken shelter under umbrellas and in cars. While the friends of the good wines managed to get to safety, the centimetre-thick ice balls caused considerable damage locally to the precious vineyards. “I’m just calling the representatives and colleagues to get an idea of the situation,” confirms Norbert Walter, president of the winery and the Chamber of Agriculture.
Several local hotspots
One thing is certain: Vienna’s vineyards were hit hard at times. For example, the roof was broken at the municipal winery in Cobenzl (photo on the right). There is also damage to photovoltaic systems.
„Whole bunches shot down“
Walter’s provisional balance: “In Neustift, a part should have been hit relatively hard. The Bisamberg got stuck in the lower area. The Nussberg was not spared either. Sometimes the hail was so severe that not only individual berries were shot down, but whole grapes.” Walter himself got an idea of the situation that evening and documented the “white legacy.” How badly the grapes have been affected will become clear in the coming days.
The harvest is imminent
The timing absolutely couldn’t have been worse. The big problem: the vines are practically in full juice – the harvest is just around the corner. The winegrowers wanted to wait out the current heat wave and start in September.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
