With the rapid evolution of the climate, spring frosts are increasingly threatening vineyards. Every year, many winegrowers find themselves at a loss when faced with sudden sub-zero temperatures, which can ruin months of work in just a few hours. In this article, find out how you can protect your vines from frost in 2025, thanks to tried-and-tested techniques and innovative solutions, including the use of specialized helicopters.

1. Understanding the impact of frost on vineyards

Spring frosts can have dramatic consequences for viticulture:

• Partial or total crop loss: Buds and young shoots are particularly vulnerable to sub-zero temperatures.
• Major economic impact: Vines damaged by frost can lead to heavy financial losses, affecting farm profitability.
• Risks to long-term viability: Repeated frosts can weaken vines and compromise harvest quality over the long term.

In 2025, these episodes are intensifying, and it's crucial to implement preventive and curative methods to ensure your vines are protected.

2. Traditional methods of frost protection

2.1 Antifreeze plugs

Antifreeze candles are a classic technique. Placed in the rows of vines, they release heat to slightly raise the ambient temperature and limit the impact of frost.

• Advantages: Easy to install, relatively affordable.
• Disadvantages: High labor and environmental impact (CO₂ emissions, logistics costs).

2.2 Water spraying

Water spraying is also a widespread method. The water freezes around the buds, creating a protective layer that insulates the plant tissues from the cold outside.

• Advantages: Effective method if well mastered, long-lasting installation.
• Disadvantages: High water consumption, requires an efficient irrigation network.

2.3 Air circulation with wind turbines

Installed in the middle of the rows, wind turbines or giant fans stir up the warm air at altitude and redirect it towards the vines.

• Advantages: Effective on medium to large-sized plots, no direct greenhouse gas emissions (electric or hydraulic use).
• Disadvantages: High initial investment, effectiveness dependent on vineyard topography.

3. Innovative solutions for 2025

3.1 Helicopter intervention: the anti-freeze flyover

Helicopters dedicated to vineyard protection are becoming increasingly popular. The principle is simple: the air movement generated by the propellers breaks up pockets of cold air stagnating above the vines.

• Advantages: rapid implementation on large surfaces, flexibility of intervention, effectiveness in raising temperatures by a few precious degrees.
• Disadvantages: High cost, but often offset by crop protection, need for good coordination.

3.2 Smart sensors and weather stations

Today, it's possible to deploy connected sensors that measure temperature, humidity and other microclimatic parameters. They enable you to react upstream, triggering anti-freeze systems at the most opportune moment.

Major advantage: anticipation. Thanks to data analysis, you can fine-tune your protection strategies season after season.

4. Why call on Air Touraine to protect your vines?

As a winegrower, you're looking for efficiency and responsiveness in the fight against frost. Using a helicopter frost protection service, such as the one offered by Air Touraine, offers several advantages:

1. An expert team: pilots trained in this type of intervention, able to quickly assess the situation and intervene at critical times.
2. State-of-the-art equipment: Helicopters specially equipped to fly in sometimes difficult conditions and ensure optimal air mixing.
3. Extended area of action: we can cover large plots of land or work on several estates in the same region.

Thanks to Air Touraine, you have a turnkey solution for preserving the quality of your harvest and securing your investment, while benefiting from the expertise of a recognized player in the field.

5. Practical tips to anticipate and limit damage

• Keep a close eye on the weather: Subscribe to a weather alert service.
• Multiply strategies: Combine candles, spraying and helicopter intervention for optimum efficiency.
• Train your team: Familiarize your staff with the various protection methods.
• Analyze feedback: Note the temperatures recorded, the effectiveness of each method and the associated cost.

In 2025, protecting your vines from frost is no longer a simple option: it's vital for the long-term future of your estate and the quality of your vintages. Traditional methods such as candling or sprinkling are still relevant, but innovation and responsiveness are now essential to cope with increasingly unpredictable frost episodes.

Using a helicopter overflight service, like the ones offered by Air Touraine, is an invaluable addition to your arsenal of frost protection measures. Equipped with high-performance sensors and an experienced team, you'll have everything you need to safeguard your harvest and guarantee the profitability of your winegrowing operation.

Need quick action to protect your vines from frost?

Contact Air Touraine now for a personalized study and a solution tailored to your viticultural needs. Don't let frost compromise your next harvest!