When flames consumed Napa Valley’s historic vineyards, the region’s identity as a wine destination faced its toughest test yet. The Glass Fire, which scorched the northern part of the valley in 2020, didn’t just destroy crops—it gutted centuries of tradition. For wineries like Tofanelli Family Vineyard, the loss of their 1929-built homestead felt like a death blow to “Old Napa Valley.” Yet amid the ash and smoke, a resilient spirit emerged. Wineries across the region are racing to salvage the 2020 vintage, even as smoke taint rendered entire harvests unusable. “We’ve never skipped a vintage since 1989,” said Fiona Barnett of Barnett Vineyards, her voice heavy with disbelief.
The crisis exposed vulnerabilities in Napa’s tourism-dependent economy. After 81 days of lockdowns during the pandemic, recovery was slow, and the fire’s timing—coinciding with Cabernet’s ripening—was catastrophic. Yet the response was equally fierce. Wineries like Lamborn Family Vineyards, whose Howell Mountain vines survived with “only minor foliage damage,” turned their focus to rebuilding. “Vineyards make great fire breaks,” Mike Lamborn noted, a stark reminder of nature’s unexpected role in preservation.
For consumers, the path forward is both practical and symbolic. The Napa Valley Vintners’ “OpenTheCellar” site offers a curated list of wines from affected producers, including rare finds like Roussanne—a white blend rare in Napa, now priced lower than its Cabernet counterparts. Hunnicutt’s Luvisi Zinfandel, rooted in a century-old vineyard, and Groth’s first-ever 100-point Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon blend, underscore how adversity can birth innovation. These wines aren’t just bottles—they’re stories of survival.
KEY POINTS: Support Napa Valley by purchasing wines from affected wineries, ensuring their survival through your palate. Prioritize sustainably farmed wines that reflect the region’s heritage, like Tom Farella’s classic Napa style or Gallica’s organic old-vine efforts. Recognize the broader ecological role of Napa’s chaparral forests, which are as vital to the region’s identity as its vines.
What’s your favorite way to support a region fighting to recover.
CLOSE: As the smoke clears, what role will Napa Valley’s wine legacy play in healing both its vineyards and the land that cradles them? What’s your favorite way to support a region fighting to recover?
Questions & Answers
How does wine help fight wildfires in Napa Valley?
Wine’s water content and natural compounds can suppress flames. Firefighters use it as a temporary fire retardant. It’s not a full solution but aids in controlling small fires quickly.
Are there any wine-related fire prevention programs in Napa?
Yes, some vineyards host fire prevention workshops. They teach residents how to use wine as a fire suppressant. These programs are part of local emergency preparedness efforts.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
