Hailstorm on 2 June 2022 – damage and photos
We are reeling from the after effects of a hail storm a week ago – at around 6am on 2 June 2022 a hammering on the roof like an attack had Sean and I jumping out of bed. The hailstones were like golf balls.
It took me a week to feel ready to share photos and words about the damage and the loss.
We have lost the majority of our crop, which is terrible for us as it is a year cycle so this is a whole year’s work, but as hard, is seeing the trauma on our vines, the hurt they are suffering. It almost feels like physical pain for us. When I walked out after the storm had passed I could feel them crying.
They have started the work of healing themselves already, open wounds are now covered over with scar tissue making them look like spotted canes. New leaf shoots are starting to show in places.
We have lost more than half of the crop and the same again in leaf cover. What is left may struggle to reach maturity due to a shortage of leaves. Vintage 2022 will be very small.
Hail is ruthless.
The ground was covered in white hailstones and green debris. The hail was like a grim reaper scything everything in its wake.
We were lucky the glass table didnt get smashed.
A bathroom window wasnt so lucky. Neither was the car which looks like someone had a hammer party on it.
But renewal is everywhere. The terrace after being cleaned up looks like new. 🙂
Sean’s potager was ravaged but is already starting to recover in places. The watermelons we thought were dead are starting to push out new leaves. The pears and peaches that were knocked off are gone for this year but the trees will recover for next year. The brassicas covered by netting to protect them from fleabeetle were mercifully protected but the nets are damaged in places. The greenhouse survived and everything in it is safe including beautiful basil that is lifting our spirits.
We lift outselves up like our vines lifting their broken leaves and broken canes. They are making a herculean effort to heal and renew themselves. Courage.
If you would like to support us through this difficult situation consider buying Feely wine summer special , or booking a gite, or a tour or class with us. Or join us for the Virtual Discovery Wine Course which can be taken online from anywhere and get up close and personal with Feely vineyard and Feely wines.
Discover the magic of nature in feely organic wines
If you are here to understand climate damage in vineyards consider reading our post about frost.
If you are here to understand climate change in general consider reading this post about what we can do and this post for books to inform yourself.
Come and discover more with a visit to Chateau Feely in South West France ; stay with us or do a multi day course or multi day tour . You can read about the story of our organic farm the series includes three books (order online with amazon or from your local bookstore)
Find out more about our farm by reading the book series
Join our mailing list to receive our seasonal newsletter, events, wine pairing, recipes and more info on this topic at the bottom right of this page.
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Dear Caro, I am so sorry … sometimes nature is wonderful; sometimes, not so much.
There is time .. I hope & pray that come the harvest, it will not be so bad as all that.
Keep us posted
xx
O M G that’s terrible I feel so sorry for you both after all the hard work you put in during the year
Nature can be so cruel
I sincerely hope that what has survived will at least bear fruit
You must be devastated
Utterly utterly tragic and I really feel for you. I read an article about the hail storm in Bergerac a week ago and yours is the first about how it has affected Vineyards. I’m sure you’re not alone by a very long way.
When we are finally down your way later this year we will definitely call in to express our sympathy and spend a few quid.
Caro,
So so sorry for the damage to your grapes! Just heartbreaking
I am so sorry to hear about this Caro. I live in the next village Gageac and although I had damage to plants, garden furniture and roof from the hail it does not affect me in the same way because in your case this is your livelihood. I understand your feeling for the vines and what they have suffered. I do hope the signs of regrowth are a foretaste of what is to come.
thanks Chris. We so appreciate words of support. Merci.
Thanks so much Nancy.
thanks so much Geoff. Fortunately it in a fairly tight band so many of our neighbours are OK but we got the eye of the storm. Thank goodness it is not the whole region. We look forward to seeing you here. Merci!
Thanks Les! We will definitely have grapes for harvest day on 17 September! 😉
Thanks Jerry. Yes, we are also hopeful. Thanks for your thoughts and words of support. hugs. Caro
Hope all recovers and that you are blessed with abundance after the devastation.
So devastating. Stay strong. Thinking of you over here in Australia.
So very sorry to hear the hail damage. Thank you for the beautiful tribute to the courage of vines, hearts and minds to heal.
Hi Caro and Sean,
I am terribly sorry to hear such tragic accident. The photos hurts my heart. I really hope that the situation gets better as the plants grow as steadily as possible.
Kenny(Japan)
Sorry to read this Caro however you and Shaun are strong people and, like your vines, you will recover. We are back to France in October and look forward to seeing you both again xxx
Thanks John. We look forward to seeing you here! Merci.
Thanks Kenichi. We so appreciate your message and your thoughts. I hope you are also recovering swiftly. Merci! Caro
Thanks so much Kathleen.
Thanks Linda! We appreciate your thoughts. Merci!
Thanks so much Justine. Merci!
Hi Caro,
My wife and I visited you a few years ago for a Wine & Food Pairing and were so impressed with your knowledge, commitment, hard work – and wine!
I’m sure these characteristics will help you through this tough period and allow you to bounce back bigger & better.
All the very best
Thanks a million Guy. We so appreciate your message.