Wildfire destroys Mimica family vineyards near Omiš

A devastating wildfire near Omiš, Croatia, has destroyed the Mimica family vineyards, wiping out 25 years of work in approximately one hour. The fire occurred just days before a planned harvest scheduled for Friday.

Owner Marko Mimica reported that the grapes were nearly ready for picking, with sugar levels reaching 21 Babo, indicating a high-quality yield. The fire has left the land scorched and the vines destroyed. Due to the rocky and barren nature of the micro-location, Mimica estimates that the recovery process will be extensive. He expects it will take at least two years to clear the land and prepare it for new planting, followed by another five years before the new vines can produce a significant harvest, totaling a seven-year recovery period.

Mimica, who took over the winery from his father five years ago, expressed that the loss transcends monetary value. He intends to attempt revitalization and new planting, hoping that the event will be declared a natural disaster to facilitate state assistance.