* Wine believed to have originated in Georgia 8,000 years ago* Worsening hail and extreme weather driving growing grape losses* Farmers turn to hail-blasting rockets - planting hazelnuts The grapes in Solomon Nersezashvili’s vineyard were almost ripe when a massive hailstorm hit in late August. In just 30 minutes, the ice wiped out most of the harvest - and months of hard work. Such storms have long plagued Georgia’s Kakheti region in the foothills of the Caucasus mountains, regarded by many as the birthplace of wine. But their growing frequency and intensity - a problem linked to climate change - has triggered a debate over the future of grape-growing in Georgia, including among Nersezashvili’s relatives. The summer storm cost their family-run business $200,000 in lost re...
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