The arrival of 2024 spring, while brimming with promise, also presented a formidable challenge: the ever-present threat of frost. Vigilantly monitoring temperatures throughout the night, we endured countless sleepless nights, venturing out into the cold & dark to light ‘bougie candles’ – a traditional method of frost protection. These arduous nights, spent battling the elements to protect the delicate vines during their budburst & flowering, although a learning experience, proved to be increasingly taxing.
A decision was then made to invest in … the first Ventigel in the UK, which essentially offers an innovative solution to the pressing challenge of frost, eliminating the countless hours of hard graft put in.
Developed by a collaboration of passionate winemakers and experienced industrialists in France, Ventigel is a cutting-edge system designed to protect crops from the devastating effects of spring frosts. Combining powerful ventilation with integrated heating, Ventigel efficiently dries and warms the vines , ensuring temperatures remain above critical thresholds.
Crafted entirely in France by PolyPoles, Ventigel boasts a high-flow helical fan powered by an electric motor. It operates with an electricity consumption of just 12 kWh and requires less than 11 L/h of fuel for auxiliary heating, Ventigel presents an environmentally conscious and cost-effective solution. All of this pointed in the direction that Ventigel would be an effective investment, and everyone at Marlow Valley Vineyard is excited to put the Ventigel to use this springtime, and perhaps enjoy a few more hours of uninterrupted sleep.