The vineyards of Burgundy are about to become the first in France to be covered by a "hailstone shield" against storms that have blighted the region.
By June, the entire area will be protected by 125 generators that send silver iodide particles to the clouds, where they stop the formation of lethal precipitation.
The move follows several years of severe hail storms in the region. Macon and Chablis were particularly hard hit last year.
Burgundy's regional association for the study and fight against atmospheric issues (Arelfa) has raised funding for the technology from frustrated wine producers.
"Hail storms have increased in recent years, the intensity is greater," said Arelfa president Thiebault Huber, who produces reds and whites on his 4ha.