French winemakers count cost of ‘worst frost in decades’

Government prepares rescue package as rare freezing temperatures damage crops and vines

Winemakers across France are counting the cost of several nights of frost this week that threaten to decimate grape harvests in some of the country's best-known and prestigious wine-producing regions.

The government is readying an emergency rescue package after rare freezing temperatures that could cause some of the worst damage in decades to crops and vines.