Winemakers have a tough enough job when it comes to preparing their crop for harvest, but when the local baboons start to acquire a taste for your Chardonnay grapes, things might just get out of hand.

Farmers in South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley have recently reported how groups of Chachma baboons have been wondering into their vineyards and munching on the tasty grapes when the sugar content begins to increase in the run up to harvest. Apparently they have a particular taste for Chardonnay.

A Franschhoek farmer, Mark Dendy-Young, claims that he lost up to 40% of his yield last month, which amounted to the equivalent of 1500 – 2000 bottles worth of wine. On a lighter note, the remaining grapes should benefit as the vine can concentrate on better nourishing the survivors. Who knows, as the babydoll sheep have replaced lawnmowers in some vineyards, perhaps baboons could replace humans and find themselves on the payroll of South Africa’s top wineries in the near future.

Seriously though, what’s the solution? Barriers have been used and guards have been deployed, but the baboons still manage to escape with their bellies full. This lot are notorious for getting up to no good in Cape Town, so don’t be surprised if you hear reports of the ringleaders finding themselves in police custody. There would be a few priceless mugshots, that’s for sure.

News Source: timeslive.co.za