Farmers in the Breedekloof Wine Valley are assessing damages following a night of widespread ‘black frost’ in the region, with farmers citing it as the “the most devastating frost the Valley has seen in 21 years”.
Black frost occurs when the temperature is below zero but there is not enough moisture in the air to produce visible frost, it results in a ‘dry freeze’ without the protective formation of hoarfrost that results in the internal freezing and death of vegetation, which develop a blackened appearance as a result.
Quality will not be affected, but quantity definitely. As expected, the low lying vineyards were affected most. Early indications show about 5 000 tonnes were damaged. VinPro’s consultants are currently evaluating damages and advising affected producers on corrective actions. – Pierre Snyman and Leon Dippenaar, VinPro
