French winemakers count cost of 'worst freezing in decades'

French winemaker Remy Nodin looks at his vine buds damaged by the frost the night before in Saint-Peray, near Valence, on April 8, 2021. Several nights' of frost last week have threatened to decimate grape harvests in some of the country's best-known and prestigious wine-producing regions. – Photo: AFP

Desperate French farmers counted the cost last Friday of several nights' of frost which threaten to decimate grape harvests in some of the country's best-known and prestigious wine-producing regions.

The government is readying an emergency rescue package after the unusual freezing temperatures which could be some of the most damaging in decades for crops and vines across the country.