Hailstorms hit Mosel wine region

The Mosel Valley in Germany has been hit by hailstorms which have damaged houses and cars and devastated some of the regions vineyards. Hailstones the size of tennis balls crashed into vineyards damaging vines and grapes, in some cases destroying 30% to 50% of the crop. Worst hit were vineyards in Lösenich and Kinheim and to a lesser extent in Wehlen and Graach to the west. Apparently the storms were very localised so neighbouring vineyards suffered varying damage, some untouched or losing only a small percentage. Last year was a small harvest in the region so winemakers are now hoping the current good weather of warm dry days and cool nights will continue, with harvest still around a month away.