Vines near apple trees… The unusual image is gradually taking its place in the landscape of Douvres-la-Délivrande, near Caen (Calvados). Here, the volunteers from the Douvette family gardens have in fact launched the challenge of cultivating vines on a slope, facing south, which borders their plots. They have already planted around 40 plants, hoping for a first harvest by 2021.
“We are divided between enthusiasm and worry. On the one hand, it's very stimulating to produce your own grape. On the other, it is a tangible sign of climate change, ”explains Didier Gaudy, who initiated this initiative.
“The story started in a very mundane way. Three years ago, I saw a vine for 10 euros in a garden center. We bought it with my wife. I planted it at home and, this year, we had really beautiful bunches. "
Hamburg Muscat and Golden Chasselas
"So I thought it was really possible," continues Didier Gaudy. And I suggested to my friends to plant them in our family gardens. We notably have Hamburg Muscat or even Golden Chasselas… It's a safe bet that we will also harvest several dozen bunches here within two years. "
Initiatives of this type are starting to multiply in Normandy, but especially in the Channel Islands and in England, on a much larger scale. "Many people today are starting to bet on northern wine, a sign that global warming has, alas, become a reality for all", concludes Didier Gaudy.
Le Parisien, partner of the consultation "How to act together now for the environment?", Initiated by Make.org, invites you to submit your ideas and vote on those of the other participants in the module below. You will be informed of the results in February 2020.
