Police spokesman Stève Léger told public broadcaster RTS on Friday that seven grape thefts have been reported so far.
Worst hit is Chamoson, the largest wine-producing municipality in Valais, where vineyard access has been restricted at the request of the farmers’ union.
“The winegrowers, fearing that the temptation to steal is too great, have asked the commune to take measures,” said union president Claude Crittin.
It is now forbidden to walk between the rows of vines, but the official through-paths are still open. Nightly surveillance rounds have also been introduced.
The harvest is expected to be smaller and more patchy in 2021, due to bad weather. Thefts of grapes are noted every year in the Valais vineyards, but this year they are at record levels.
Frost, hail and mildew have hit crops, but while some winegrowers have lost part of their grapes, others are currently having “good harvests”, according to the cantonal viticulture office.
More
More
Farmers made hay in 2020 but brace themselves for grim 2021
This content was published on
Covid, the weather and the pig market were kind to farmers in 2020, with income increasing 6.7% . But this year is looking much bleaker.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss wine harvest for 2020 declared ‘small but exquisite’
This content was published on
A cold snap during the main flowering period and a hot summer with little rain prevented a large grape harvest in Switzerland last year.
Mixing tradition and passion to make modern Swiss wine
This content was published on
Organic wine is gaining popularity and in Switzerland, some viticulturists like Jean-Denis Perrochet are also coupling this with traditional processes.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.