In the world of wine, protection against spring frost is a major concern. Winegrowers must constantly combat this natural phenomenon, which can cause considerable damage to buds and compromise the harvest. Fortunately, today there are innovative solutions to prevent and combat frost in the vineyard. Among these, vine antifreeze products stand out for their effectiveness and practicality. In this article, we explore these solutions, with particular emphasis on the Ventigel antifreeze tower, a cutting-edge technology in this field.
Understanding spring frost and its effects on vines
Spring frost is a climatic phenomenon that can occur in early spring, when vines begin to bud. There are two types of frost:
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Radiative frost: the most common, it occurs on clear, calm nights, when the ground loses heat through radiation.
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Advective frost: less frequent, it is caused by the arrival of a mass of cold air, often accompanied by wind.
These frost episodes can cause significant damage to young shoots and buds, affecting the future harvest. This is why it is crucial for winegrowers to implement effective protection strategies.
Different antifreeze solutions for vines
To effectively combat frost in vineyards, a number of protective methods are available to winegrowers. Antifreeze candles, strategically placed between the rows of vines, create a protective layer of warm air. Water spraying is a technique that forms a thin film of ice around the buds, insulating them from sub-zero temperatures. Heating cables, installed along the trellising wires, maintain a constant temperature that is conducive to plant survival. Finally, antifreeze towers are distinguished by their ability to stir the air, preventing cold air from stagnating at ground level.
Among these anti-freeze solutions for vines, towers stand out for their effectiveness and versatility. They offer optimum protection against spring frosts, which are crucial for preserving the future harvest. In this category of protection systems, our anti-freeze tower has established itself as an essential reference for viticulture professionals. This French innovation combines performance and respect for the environment, meeting the modern challenges of vineyard management in the face of climatic hazards.
Focus on the Ventigel antifreeze tower
The Ventigel tower is the fruit of collaboration between experts in aeraulic systems and professionals from the world of wine. This French innovation combines performance and respect for the environment.
Ventigel key features
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Mobility: at less than a metre wide, Ventigel can be easily moved between the rows of vines.
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Power supply: its electric motor offers ease of use and low maintenance.
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Auxiliary heating: a 110 kW oil-fired heating system injects warm air in case of extreme cold.
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French manufacturing: produced in Le Haillan, Ventigel benefits from local sourcing, limiting its carbon impact.
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Economical: less expensive than other systems, it requires no installation costs and consumes little electricity (around €2/hr).
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Ecological: its electricity consumption is 12 kWh and its heating system consumes less than 9l/h of fuel oil.
How Ventigel works
The Ventigel tower works in two main ways:
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Preventive ventilation: dries out plots and prevents condensation forming on plants.
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When temperatures drop, Ventigel injects warm air into the plot.
Its powerful jet of air, up to 35 m/s, can cover a large surface area of up to 3.14 hectares. The tower’s adjustable inclination enables it to adapt to all types of terrain.
Ventigel’s advantages over traditional methods
Compared with conventional solutions such as antifreeze candles or straw fires, Ventigel offers several advantages:
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Increased efficiency: the combination of ventilation and heating provides optimum protection.
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Environmentally-friendly: less polluting than combustion methods.
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Ease of use: once installed, Ventigel requires little human intervention.
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Versatility: suitable for different types of frost and terrain configurations.
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Durability: built to last, with low maintenance requirements.
Setting up and using Ventigel
Installation of the Ventigel antifreeze tower is remarkably quick and easy, requiring only a forklift truck and less than thirty minutes’ work. This innovative solution offers great flexibility in terms of power supply. It can be connected to the standard electrical network, with the option of using a suitable cable over a distance of up to 200 meters. For more isolated vineyards, or in the event of a power cut, Ventigel can also be operated by a stand-alone generator. A third option is to power it via a generator connected to a tractor’s PTO, offering a practical solution for winegrowers who already have this type of equipment.
In addition to its main ventilation system, Ventigel is equipped with an oil-fired auxiliary heater. This plays a crucial role in protecting against particularly severe frosts. Equipped with a 105-liter tank, this heating system provides a considerable autonomy of around 12 hours. This is generally sufficient to cover critical periods of night frost, offering continuous, reliable protection for the precious vine buds throughout the night.
Conclusion: protect your vineyard with Ventigel
Faced with the challenges posed by spring frosts, the Ventigel anti-freeze tower is an innovative and effective solution for winegrowers. Combining performance, respect for the environment and ease of use, it represents a wise investment to protect precious buds and ensure a quality harvest.
By opting for Ventigel, winegrowers are choosing cutting-edge French technology, adapted to the modern challenges of viticulture. Whether for small plots or large estates, Ventigel offers reliable, long-lasting protection against the hazards of spring frost.
