The theft of at least seven tonnes of grapes from premium Bordeaux vineyards has alarmed winegrowers facing a disastrously poor harvest following bad weather.

Four vineyards have lost enormous quantities of grapes —and even whole vines — to thieves who strike at night and are believed to be professional vintners themselves, police said.

Philippe Bardet of the Bordeaux Wine Council said: “The harvest is dire this year so given the shortage of grapes, the temptation to help yourself from the vineyard next door is very strong. Everyone’s in distress and in some places, there’s a poisonous atmosphere of envy and jealousy.”

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