This week that is ending is once again fatal for a popular American wine region, as the fire devastates warehouses in California. They do not stop throughout the state and are seriously affecting the valleys of Napa and Sonoma. The fire burns in the tracks left by the 2017 fires. Currently, firefighters in the area are fighting in 27 spotlights different. So far this year they have already added more than 8.100 fires throughout the region, which have affected one and a half million hectares. It has been especially hard in recent days, as many facilities and vineyards in the area have burned completely or partially. The famous 3 Michelin star restaurant Meadowood, known as Tram.
Award Winning Tram Restaurant Burns
In a statement on social media, the restaurant's executive chef, Christopher Kostow, has commented that the team was "destroyed." Kostow writes: “I want to thank all the TRAMily who have ever participated in this magical space. Also to all the guests throughout the years who have enjoyed the efforts of all of us. What an honor it has been. Martina and I wish our wider Napa community safety and courage during this devastating time. #TRAMily forever ».
For their part, the families of winegrowers and owners of Meadowood, William 'Bill' Harlan and Stan Kroenke, They have issued a statement showing their commitment to the valley. After six decades being a fundamental piece in the development of the area, they are committed to the territory and the community. The brief statement reads as follows: “In these years, everyone in the Valley of Napa we have faced and overcome many adversities. Although we will not emerge unscathed from recent wildfires, recent events do not alter or dampen our spirits. Neither does our sense of purpose and determination to support this unique community of which we are proud to be a part.
Many wineries affected
On the other hand, fire devastates wineries in California, which are still widely affected: either by the vineyards and harvests or in their facilities. According to various sources close to the place of the outbreaks, the following winery families in the area are highly affected: Château Boswell, Behrens Family Winery, Burgess Cellars, Castello di Amorosa, Fairwinds Winery, Foley Family Wines, Hourglass Winery, Hunnicutt Wines, Merus Wines , Newton Vineyard, Sherwin Family Vineyards, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Sterling Vineyards and Tofanelli Vineyards, as well as the Calistoga Ranch community.
One of those that has been most affected within the previous list is the famous Chateau Boswell. Last Sunday the castle and its facilities. The family-owned winery, established in 1979, is located along the popular Silverado Trail. This area, like all neighboring areas, were evacuated hours before by the emergency services to avoid further damage.
The wine and the grape harvest
In addition to all the facilities affected, they are also affected directly or indirectly all the vineyards from the area. La temperature and ashes have affected this vintage both in the grapes already harvested and in the later varieties. Wildfire smoke can be very influential in the grape skin. All of this could cause an ashy taste in the wine, the so-called 'smoke smell'.
Many winery owners and winemakers are seriously considering refuse this vintage because the fire devastates wineries in California. It is considered in varieties already harvested but affected by smoke and more seriously for all varieties pending to be collected. A difficult decision for all the grapes that have already entered the winery and that winemakers are evaluating these days. In this decision weighs the fact that the sales and stock from previous years still It is very high. All produced by the closure of the hotel business in the area because of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus and work in the area
Among the big problems, besides that fire devastates wineries in California, in the area also the coronavirus it is affecting a lot economically. Thousands of workers are unable to work in tourism or related activities because of the virus. Many day laborers are unemployed waiting for the development of the fires and the decisions that the wineries make. Many other workers are harvesting amid the ashes with high temperatures, with masks and goggles protective clothing throughout the working day.
In short, a very dark year for the wine sector in this American state so popular for its vineyards. Hopefully soon they can give for the flames extinguished and little by little get back to normal, although this will take time.
