A group of pensioners from Barcelona has accidentally wrecked 200 vines up to 50 years old by driving into vineyards after getting lost looking for a local restaurant.
Drivers destroy vines up to 50 years old
The accident happened at lunchtime during a weekend in February, after a group of retired Barcelonians driving five different SUVs misinterpreted their GPS when looking for a restaurant in the village of El Vilet in Catalonia, Spain.
Turning down a dirt road through local vineyards, they realised their error but became stuck in the mud when trying to turn around.
In the process of getting out, they destroyed 200 vines of 25 to 50 year-old Macabeu owned by eight different growers and caused approximately €8,000 in total damages.
One of the viticulturists, Ramon Serra, was quoted by local media as saying, ‘We constantly have to fight against rabbits, wild boars, and above all comes this, a most disagreeable surprise.’
Another viticulturist, Ana Cèlia Esteve, said she was initially furious after the group appeared to have driven off without notifying anyone.
‘People [on social media] said that I was against tourists from the city coming out to Vall de Riu Corb, but this is completely untrue. I am happy to welcome people who want to visit our region.’
Three of the eight viticulturists contacted local police, who spotted five SUVs covered in mud at a local restaurant.
Esteve said compensation has been paid to the three winemakers who complained to police.
The vineyards reside in the village of Sant Martí de Maldà, in the Vall del Riu Corb subzone of DO Costers del Segre, Catalonia’s most interior appellation that is well-known for its white wines. It’s also a popular destination for weekenders due to its unspoilt nature, gastronomy and tranquility.
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