The massive wildfires in California could reduce the current harvest in the growing region by about 15 to 30 percent, according to initial estimates by experts. Currently, about 11,000 hectares of forest, scrubland and vineyards are on fire in the Napa Valley and Sonoma growing regions. In addition, yesterday the renowned Chateau Boswell winery burned down completely. Moreover, many farms are not buying up grapes from their contract winegrowers this year because they are no longer suitable for wine production due to massive soot damage. Since the berries absorb the pungent soot aromas, they also develop in an extreme way in the wine. Red wine is particularly affected by this, as the grape skins play an important role in the fermentation process.
(uka)