In an interview with RTL Radio on Thursday, Guy Krier, co-president of Luxembourg’s private winegrowers, discussed not only the impending harvest but also the emerging trend of alcohol-free wine.
Krier expressed relief over the successful recruitment of seasonal labour this year, attributed in part to the National Employment Agency’s (ADEM) Jobday tool. While specific numbers were not disclosed, Krier affirmed that winegrowers “took advantage of it.”
He also shed light on the considerable administrative hurdles involved in obtaining work certificates for seasonal workers, particularly the demanding medical checks. He highlighted the disparity between the effort invested in securing these certificates and the relatively short duration of the harvest, which spans approximately 18 days.
Suggesting a need for simplification, Krier, generally content with the current government, proposed streamlining the process. Meanwhile, technical aspects of the recently passed agricultural law, such as subsidies and pricing, remain to be addressed.
The challenges posed by weather conditions, including a drought in May and June, were acknowledged by Krier, especially in terms of nurturing young vines. While rain is vital for vineyards, excess precipitation in July and August presented its own challenges. Krier stressed that weather conditions are beyond human control, noting that overall, the grapes appear to be thriving and abundant this year.
Like a number of other private winegrowers, Krier produces organic wines, a practice he doesn’t find notably more challenging. “It takes time, but the structure of the soil is improved, and it improves water retention, which is obviously an advantage in times of drought,” Krier explained.
Private winegrowers are also increasingly turning their attention towards alcohol-free wine. Krier acknowledged that traditional wine enthusiasts may have reservations about this trend, but he anticipates that as demand evolves, new and interesting alcohol-free products will enter the market. After all, there is “a growing community of people who don’t want to drink alcohol.”
