Vineyard Frost Protection

Late spring frosts are one of the greatest challenges vine growers are facing. Non-heated vines can suffer considerable inflorescence damages (up to 50 percent), while heated vines will have dramatically improved protection of harvest loss or damage and reduce the losses to approximately 13-20 percent.

Electric heating solves the challenge with energy-efficient systems using electric heating cables to protect vines against frost damage. Vineyard Frost Protection is a sustainable solution for a green and clean future through low energy consumption during the frost period, allowing up to 87 percent of the harvest to be saved. Vineyard Frost Protection is an ideal solution for any vineyard dimension.

Image of heating cable installed in New Zealand; cable is installed in-line with trellis wiring and vines are trained alone the wire.

Figure 1: Installtion of heating cable in New Zeland; note the heating cable runs along trellis with the vine as close as possible to the cable.

Figure 2: Heating cable installed around stay-wire with vine (Queenstown, NZ)

The electric heating system product portfolio for the Vineyard Frost Protection consists of three major components:​

  • a heating element – heating cable with constant wattage or a self-limiting heating cable​
  • a controller with a temperature sensor or a controller with both temperature and moisture sensors​
  • fixing elements and accessories​

The heating cables are installed and fixed on metal wire along the grapes. The system is controlled automatically by temperature sensors connected to the controller.​

Most of the cables are manufactured as ready-made heating elements with a specific length, with connecting power supply cable (cold lead or cold tail) and sealed joints (connection muffs or end terminals).​ The range of the heating cables' linear output for Vineyard Frost Protection is usually between 10 and 20 W/m (Watt per linear meter).​

Features and benefits

Electric heat cables offer superior frost protection from air movement solutions such as fans and helicopters. By using a thermostat, the cables provide heat protection even during unforseen frost scenarios, providing some peace of mind during budding. 

  • An energy-efficient solution with electric heating cables​
  • Easy, fast and reliable installation​
  • A customized approach to meet client’s needs, area of vinery, and number of rows​
  • Proven high vine-saving impact compared to the existing methods​
  • A sustainable solution for a green and clean future through low energy consumption during the frost period

A study by the University of New England, Armidale, by Lamb DW (2009) has shown the benefit of electric heating cables for vineyard frost protection.  A copy of the journal article is available on Google Scholar, or via this link.

Visit our European website for more details on the proven solutions for Vineyard Frost Protection using DEVI electric heating cables.

Please contact us for your Vineyeard Frost protection solutions Australia-wide