🌿 Frost candles
Pots of burning paraffin set in the rows to warm the vines at night.
Frost candles are pots of burning paraffin. They are placed between the rows of vines to warm the air over the vineyard a little at night.
The danger is frost. In spring, when vines have already started to grow, a few degrees below zero can kill young buds and shoots. Then the harvest is smaller or lost entirely. Growers light the candles in the coldest hours before dawn. The heat of many small flames raises the temperature around the vines by a couple of degrees, which is sometimes enough.
Candles are one method of protection. Others include wind machines, sprinkling with water and smoky fires. Candles need a lot of hand work, so they are mostly used on small plots or valuable vineyards. Work starts in advance, based on the weather forecast, because hundreds of pots must be lit across each plot during the night.
How it connects to Wine
🌿 Frost candles ← affects ← 🌿 Frost → kind of → 🌿 Climate and wine → kind of → 🌿 Terroir → kind of → 🍷 Wine
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Frequently asked questions
Why are candles burned in vineyards?
They warm the air slightly and protect young shoots from spring frost.
What are frost candles made of?
Pots or tins of paraffin that burn for several hours.
Are there other ways to protect vines?
Yes, for example wind machines, water sprinkling and fires.