Wildfires Severely Hamper PNW Wine Grape Production

Vineyard and winery operators in the Pacific Northwest have faced some of the largest, most dangerous wildfires in history, and even as the flames are extinguished, the challenges haven’t ended. Smoke and ash from the fires filled the air and essentially altered growing conditions for wine grapes and other crops in the region, and the results may not please consumers who purchase wine from places like the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The smoke contains compounds that cause changes in the flavor of the grapes, often resulting in a “burnt or cigar-like flavor.” With more than 5 million acres burned in the region this year, there have already been almost 50 tons of grapes rejected by wineries. The result may be major losses for the crop worth almost $5 billion in the Pacific Northwest. See more about the wine industry risks.