Thieves Steal Nearly A Half-Ton Of Grapes From A Canadian Vineyard

Authorities in Canada are investigating a brazen theft of nearly a half-ton of grapes from a vineyard in Quebec. Benoit Giroussens, manager at Vignoble et Cidrerie Coteau Rougemont, was shocked to find the grapevines destroyed as he began the final harvest of the season.

"It's really frustrating to see all the work from the last year was just wasted," Giroussens told the CBC.

He estimates that the thieves made off with nearly 1,000 pounds of grapes, enough to make about 350 bottles of wine. Giroussens said that the theft will cost the vineyard about $3,800 in lost wine, plus the cost to repair the damage to the grapevines.

"We think they came in with ATVs or a tractor and just ripped the grapes straight off the vine," he said. "I am not sure the vines along this row will recover because of the way the thieves stole the grapes."

Authorities are investigating the theft but have not made any arrests in the case.

"People were surprised, shocked, frustrated, angry -- all the adjectives, you know," Michel Robert, owner of the family-run vineyard, told CNN. "It's the work of six months. You work on it for six months, you take care of the vines, you prune, you spray, you do all kinds of treatment on it so you can collect the fruit. And six months later, you're ready to pick it up, and it's gone."

Photo: Getty Images


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