One of France's biggest export industries is facing a devastating blow after an unusually severe frost earlier this month damaged vineyards across the country.

The frost has affected 80% of vineyards in France's primary wine growing areas, according to the European Committee of Wine Companies. The destruction spread across the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and the Loire Valley.

Winemakers tried to keep air temperatures up by lighting candles and braziers in their vineyards, but in many cases it was not enough to protect their budding vines.