Bordeaux forest fires threaten wine shipments to Norway

Large forest fires around Bordeaux, France, have forced the evacuation of about 220,000 people and raised concerns about the logistics of wine exports. Importer Pontus Dahlstrøm of P. A. Larsen told E24 that the fires could delay deliveries of red, white and sparkling wines to Norway, adding that a new shipping round is planned for September.

Vineyard officials say the vines remain intact. Thomas Duroux, general director of Château Palmer, said the quality of the grapes is not expected to suffer, while Séverine Bonnie of Château Malartic‑Lagravière described the situation as “zombie fires” that keep reigniting. Researchers are monitoring the risk of “smoke taint” on the grapes, but experts expect any impact on wine flavor to be limited.