The Remarkable Resilience of Grapevines

What a week it has been here in wine country, filled with fire, smoke, fear, tragedy, heroism and unity. So many of you have reached out to those of us who live and work here and we appreciate it more that words can say. We feel your prayers and support knowing we are so blessed to have coworkers that we also call friends. 

With all the fiery images you have seen on the national news coverage, we’ve received a lot of questions from you about the effect the fires are having in the vineyards. 

Well, it might surprise you to learn that grape vines are surprisingly fire resistant. As noted in an LA Times article from 10/12/17, fire officials have said they considered the relatively open space of vineyards, which hold more moisture than oak forests, to be a natural firebreak that allowed their forces to concentrate on protecting populated areas and structures. Fire crews “use the vineyards to their advantage to ensure that they can stop the spread of the fire or stop the front of the fire from coming through,” said Cal Fire spokesman Jonathan Cox, battalion chief for Northern California.

And, in fact, “Vineyards save lives,” said Jennifer Putnam, executive director of Napa Valley Grapegrowers, who has a college degree in forestry. “They saved property and lives in Napa County. It’s as clear as it can be.”

https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vineyards-firebreak-20171012-story.html  

I have to say, this is very comforting to know in the midst of the fires. Not only do our beautiful vines provide us with delicious grapes to make world class wines, but they also protect us from Mother Nature’s wrath. So, the next time you’re in wine country, offer thanks to our vineyards. They do so much more than just grow grapes.