Belgian winemakers are relying on new infrared technologies to protect their grapevines from the polar temperatures that hit the country in the past weeks.
The new technology based on infrared lighting strips was developed by two young engineers from Ghent, Alexander Schmidt and Laurens De Vos, who promise their system is cheaper and more efficient than many other technologies currently in use. They also added that it “provides a beautiful light spectacle.” The infrared solution is a new and more sustainable technique compared to other traditional techniques such as fire pots, spraying water, or growing vines to 2.5 m high to avoid ground frost damage.
Some large vineyards across the country have decided to try the new technique developed in Flanders, and it seems to work well. Even Wallonia wine producers are using the new infrared solution. The Vignoble des Agaises produce sparkling wines in Belgium’s southern region. This year, their Ruffus cuvées production has been saved by the infrared technology designed in Flanders.
In an interview with RTBF, director of the vineyard Etienne Delbeke explained that in total, they have installed 1200 meters of special LEDs along the vines, hanging on the strips of the plantations. The director explained that the LEDs will emit infrared light that will generate heat. Since the tube is positioned near the wand, it will be preserved from the cold by the infrared lights without being burned.
Other smaller winegrowers have not invested in frost protection technologies yet. According to Erwin Blomsma and Saskia Broeckx, owners of Graevenberger’s winery (around 40 km from Brussels), it is too early to assess whether there will be frost damage across Belgium. Speaking with Belga News Agency, Blomsma said that in the past few years, some vineyards have lost around 50-60% of the total production due to late frost. However, Graevenberger vineyard is located on a steep southern hill, therefore the production won’t be affected by ground frost too much. Blomsma explained that they only make sure to keep the grass short, they prune very late (February-March), and they maintain the green borders around the vineyard to ensure that the cold can glide down.
