Harvest in Galicia is amidst devastation as wildfires sweep across the region, devastating more than 90,000 hectares. This year’s fires were unprecedented, fueled by months of drought, extreme heat, and strong winds. The majority of the destruction occurred in the province of Ourense, which hosts four of the five Denominaciones de Origen (DOs) in Galicia, including Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei.
The largest fire originated in Larouco, affecting an astonishing 30,000 hectares, marking it as the most significant blaze in Galicia’s recorded history. Another significant fire near Oímbra burned through 17,000 hectares, impacting parts of DO Monterrei. Fortunately, quick action allowed other fires in DO Ribeiro to be contained before they could cause severe damage to the vineyards.
As harvest time approaches, vineyard owners are surveying the damage. Optimistic signs have emerged, as many vineyards suffered damage primarily at the perimeter rather than throughout. Gonzalo Losada, manager of DO Monterrei, noted that despite the destruction, many vineyards acted as buffers, helping to stop the fire from spreading beyond the outer rows.
However, the Alvaredos-Hobbs winery experienced significant devastation. This boutique winery, partly owned by Californian winemaker Paul Hobbs, is located in Alvaredos, within DO Ribeira Sacra. The wildfires severely affected all its vineyards, leading to an estimated loss of 70% in production. Winemaker Cecilia Fernández lamented the total destruction of some vines, with even the ground cover incinerated.
Paul Hobbs expressed his concerns, highlighting that while wildfires are a threat in California, the devastation seen in Galicia is unparalleled. “I’ve never lost an entire vintage,” he remarked, foreseeing that the losses might extend beyond just this season.
Amid recovery efforts, many locals are calling for a change in forest management practices. The fast-growing pine forests, often neglected until harvest, have become a perilous fire risk due to the accumulation of flammable underbrush. This tragedy illustrates the issue of ‘España vacía,’ where many rural areas face depopulation as younger generations migrate to cities for better opportunities.
Winemaker Nacho González also revealed his frustration with regional authorities, stressing the need for better forest care to prevent fires. “One single match and it’s a bomb,” he stated, underscoring the root causes of the wildfires.
As the community begins to recover, all eyes are on how to implement effective strategies to prevent such disastrous events in the future.