Devastating heavy rain events have affected viticulture in South Styria, Slovenia, and Croatia, just as they have in France and Italy; in Italy alone, downy mildew has had a devastating impact. Just a few days ago, hailstorms ravaged approximately 4,600 hectares of vineyards in Georgia, particularly in the Kakheti region.
Hellenic News of America has also reported a 30% lower harvest yield for Greece due to the high incidence of downy mildew. The media referred to forecasts by Yiannis Voyatzis, the head of the Greek Winegrowers Association. Meanwhile, the next weather event is already looming over Southeastern Europe.
Devastating rain after devastating fires
Dominik Brun, an employee of the organic Giannikos Winery in the Peloponnese region, reported to the German wine magazine WEINWIRTSCHAFT about torrential rains, especially in Thessaly and Attica, but also in the Peloponnese. The consequences, including floods and landslides, will be devastating, and not only for the wine industry. Furthermore, despite a very wet spring and early summer, there were catastrophic fires in the height of summer that ravaged some vineyards in Thrace, Attica, and Thessaly.
Northern Greece and the Peloponnese are also grappling with a heavy incidence of downy mildew, according to Brun. In general, it is expected that at least Agiorgitiko production in Nemea will be lower than the previous year. While the Agiorgitiko vineyards looked promising at the beginning of September, the current adverse weather conditions must subside before any reliable predictions can be made. Nevertheless, the harvest of the first white grape varieties has already begun, with promising quality in Malagouzia and Roditis. VM
