Var wildfires threaten French vineyards' 2026 vintage

Wildfires raging in the Var region of southeastern France, especially around the Gros Bessillon massif, have burned more than 6,000 hectares since July 21. The flames have moved close to vineyards, raising fears of smoke‑taint in the upcoming 2026 wine harvest.

Vintners such as Grégory Guibergia, manager of Domaine Saint‑Andrieu in Correns, lost only the edge rows of vines but worries that the wine could acquire a burnt flavor. He plans a “parcel harvest” – vinifying each plot separately – to preserve what he can, fearing the loss of up to 90,000 bottles.

Oenology consultant Clément Prélat explains that brief exposure to smoke can cause glycosylation, binding smoke compounds to grape sugars, which only becomes apparent after fermentation and is hard to treat. Lucie Demirdjian of Domaine La Mercadine in nearby Pontevès reports losing 11 of 18 hectares and is awaiting laboratory results before the planned mid‑August harvest.