Following severe weather in Catalonia, the wine regions of northwestern Spain, particularly DOs Bierzo and Valdeorras, have been struck by catastrophic hailstorms, potentially jeopardizing both the 2024 and 2025 harvests.
On June 25, a violent storm pummeled Valtuille de Abajo and surrounding areas, damaging 500-600 hectares of Bierzo’s most esteemed vineyards. Hailstones the size of golf balls devastated the vines, crushing grapes, stripping leaves, and even damaging canes and permanent wood. This was the second major hailstorm in the region within two weeks. On June 18, a similar storm hit nearby Cacabelos, destroying about 250 hectares of vineyards and also affecting DO Valdeorras in Ourense province.
With harvest only two months away, growers face an uncertain future. Many fear that the extensive damage will not only ruin this year’s crop but also have lasting impacts on next year’s vines. The storm’s impact was particularly severe in Valtuille de Abajo and Valtuille de Arriba, home to roughly half of Bierzo’s top vineyards, including the parajes of Villegas, Poulosa, Valdoneje, Telleria, Cabanelas, and Las Gundiñas.
“In Valtuille, it’s brutal,” said Nacho León of Demencia Wine. “Almost the whole town was affected, about 90%, if not 100%,” he added, describing the situation as “a disaster” that will affect both the 2024 and 2025 vintages.
Nearby villages, including Pieiros, Villadecanes, Parandones, and Toral de los Vados, also suffered, with about 70% of their vines damaged by hail. Carmen Gómez, the technical director of DO Bierzo, expressed her despair, saying she “almost cried” when inspecting the damage. Some producers have lost their entire crop, while others may find it pointless to harvest the few remaining grapes.
The storm struck at a particularly vulnerable time for the vines, which had recently flowered and were in the early stages of grape growth. The wet conditions and high temperatures have created a high risk of fungal diseases such as downy mildew, black rot, and powdery mildew. As a result, the affected DOs have called for immediate treatment of the damaged vines to prevent further losses.
Bierzo’s wine growers are now working to treat the vines and praying that something will be left to harvest in the fall.
