A severe hailstorm struck large parts of the wine-growing region of Ardèche in southeastern France on July 15, causing significant damage. This is reported by the French online magazine Vitisphere. According to the winegrowers' cooperative Vignerons Ardéchois, more than 2,000 hectares of vineyard area may be affected to varying degrees. The yield losses are estimated to be between 15 and 80 percent depending on the location, with some vineyards experiencing complete destruction of the harvest. The areas around Aubenas, Valvignères, and Prades were particularly hard hit. In addition to vineyards, fruit plantations and numerous buildings were also damaged. In the municipality of Valvignères alone, around 440 to 500 hectares of vineyards were affected by the hail. However, a final damage assessment is still pending, as the drying of the grapes must first be awaited.

A day later, according to Vitisphere, the northern region of Beaujolais was also hit. A severe thunderstorm moved from Villefranche-sur-Saône to Mâcon and affected many vineyards of the Beaujolais-Villages as well as the well-known Crus Fleurie and Morgon. There, more than 2,000 hectares of leaves and grapes were also damaged, with harvest losses in some municipalities ranging from 80 to 100 percent. The damages vary significantly by region. Winemakers again warn of the consequences of increasing climate extremes and demand more investments in hail protection nets and prevention.

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