Vineyard Damage from Wildfires

A survey of vineyard owners in the five county area affected by the October wildfires (Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Solano) shows that maybe 200 acres were damaged (there are over 135,000 acres of vineyards in these counties). Most growers are waiting for spring rejuvenation to see exactly what comes back and what vines will have to be replanted.

For instance, the Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa sustained total damage to their facilities, but their 16 acres of estate vineyards had perhaps damage to 20% of the vines. The actual loss won't be known until we're into the growing season.

In some places you may find heat damage to the metal trellises or the plastic irrigation tubes. Where there's damage to vines the root system may still be okay. The other question will be if fire damage may affect quality or quantity for this year (and next) even if the vine survives. The good news is grape vines are tough to kill.

October fires burnt grassland right up to the vineyards
Photo from Napa Valley Grapegrowers

Sources: Northbay Business Journal, Santa Rosa Press Democrat