Key facts
- Massive wildfires have been burning in the Bordeaux region for nearly a week, affecting 42,000 hectares.
- Winemakers fear smoke taint on grapes during the veraison period, which could impact wine aroma and quality.
- The fires are causing an 'economic apocalypse' in the region, impacting businesses and tourism.
- The wine industry is already facing challenges from geopolitical issues, inflation, and changing consumer preferences.
- Appeals for tourists to avoid the region are a concern for wine tourism, a vital part of the business.
Massive wildfires have been burning across the Bordeaux region for nearly a week, emitting toxic smoke that poses a threat to the area's renowned wine industry. While the vineyards have so far been spared direct contact with the flames, winemakers are concerned about 'smoke taint' affecting the grapes during their crucial veraison period. This smoke can potentially alter the wine's aroma, leading to decisions to downgrade harvests or sell grapes for distillation.
Winemakers like Séverine Bonnie from château Malartic-Lagravière, located just 20 kilometers from the fires, noted that the timing is fortunate as the grape harvest is still three weeks away. Édouard Moueix, owner of several Bordeaux châteaux, expressed hope that thunderstorms might help wash away any affected berries. However, the overall economic impact is significant, with the fires burning 42,000 hectares and driving 220,000 people from their homes.
Patrick Seguin, president of the regional chamber of commerce, described the situation as an 'economic apocalypse,' impacting not only the wine sector but also defense and aerospace industries. Edouard Le Grix de la Salle of the Grand Verdus wine estate highlighted that appeals for tourists to avoid the region are detrimental to wine tourism, which had been a growing segment for Bordeaux wines. The industry is already grappling with declining consumption among younger demographics, geopolitical issues, and inflation, with a recent poll indicating that 94% of regional businesses face difficulties.