Winegrowers on edge after a catastrophic year
In 2024, a spring frost devastated up to 70% of some vineyards. By the time bottling came around, many winegrowers had to take out loans to survive.
At the end of April, a frost affected many vineyards in French-speaking Switzerland.
A year ago, several winegrowers saw their vines ravaged by frost . Some lost up to 70% of their vineyards. According to the Federal Office for Agriculture, 2024 recorded the second- lowest harvest in the last 50 years, after 2021. As bottling time approaches, industry professionals are realizing the extent of the damage and the loss of income. In Geneva, some have resorted to applying for a government loan to cope with the cash shortage, reports RTS .
Currently, the Canton has six, but estimates that other requests will be made in the coming months, at a time when the lack of income will be felt more deeply. While raising bottle prices is being considered to limit damage, this solution will not solve the problem, believes Sophie Dugerdil, president of the Geneva Association of Independent Winegrowers and Winemakers. "We know the economic situation in Geneva and the people who buy wines. We can't release bottles for 50 francs either." Winegrowers are also trying to find solutions to cope with climatic hazards, such as protecting vines with tarpaulins, modifying pruning, or planting more resistant grape varieties.
(lhu)
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