Marlborough vineyard to reconsider frost protection

Viticulturists and grapegrowers are counting their losses after a frosty end to spring caused damage to vines throughout Marlborough. A succession of frosts in the region this month saw about 40 helicopters dispatched over the Wairau Valley. Cloudy Bay viticulturist Jim White said there was damage in some of their vineyards which were not typically affected by frost, such as vineyards near Renwick. “It’s got us rethinking our frost protection plans,” he said. “We’re starting to consider the value of wind machines in places we wouldn’t normally use them.