Europe has been hit by an unusually high number of forest fires this summer. So far this year, there have been twice as many compared to the same time in 2024.
In early August, violent fires started in Corbières, one of the major wine regions in Languedoc. Although there is still no clear overview of all the damage, it is evident that there is potential smoke damage to the grapes. Those that have survived.
Local laboratories are collaborating with winemakers to develop solutions. The cost will be high for a production area that is already struggling with crises.
The fires in the Aude department have affected more than 16,000 hectares, but some houses and homes have been spared thanks to the presence of vineyards. In many places, they have acted as effective fire barriers. Vines don’t ignite and burn as easily as forests. This is a fantastic feature, and that is why there is now concern that the area under vines is decreasing in the wake of the wine crisis.
