This August, Spain has endured one of the worst wildfire waves in decades, with catastrophic consequences for both rural communities and historic vineyards.
Extreme heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds have fueled simultaneous outbreaks across Galicia and Castile and León, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
In Ourense (Galicia), more than 25,000 hectares of forest and farmland have burned. In Valderrey-Jamuz (León), more than 37,000 hectares were lost in the most severe fire since 1968, forcing evacuations and causing fatalities. Beyond the human and environmental toll, these fires have directly threatened Spain’s centuries-old winemaking heritage, devastating renowned regions such as Valdeorras, Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, and Herreros de Jamuz.
Vineyards on the Frontline
The magnitude of the disaster extends beyond the scorched land. Many vineyards were caught in the flames just weeks before harvest. Some growers fought desperately—using heavy machinery to carve firebreaks—to save their vines, while others watched helplessly as grape bunches and leaves were reduced to ash.
In Ourense, winegrower Ernesto Rodríguez reported “completely devastated vineyards” in Oímbra, Laza, and Verín. Entire plots of Godello and Mencía grapes were destroyed. Similarly, Manuel Vázquez, president of the Monterrei DO, confirmed the loss of thousands of kilos of grapes, although precise figures are still impossible as many fires remain active.
In Valdeorras and Monterrei, flames have consumed vines over 300 years old—a priceless loss for viticultural heritage. At Fuentes del Silencio in Herreros de Jamuz, winery manager Paula Alonso said they lost 15% of their 25 hectares, with emblematic parcels like La Fontanica completely gone. While firefighters and neighbors saved some vines, smoke damage now jeopardizes the quality of surviving grapes.
Communities in Crisis
The fires have ravaged entire villages. In Petín (Ourense), residents were forced to shelter in underground wine cellars, while in O Bolo, homes, churches, livestock, and vineyards were reduced to rubble.
In A Rúa (Valdeorras), the Méndez Rojo family lost 300 vines, with 12 plots completely destroyed. In the Ribeira Sacra, the vast Quiroga-Bibei fire reached vineyards in the Bibei Valley. Regulatory council president Antonio Lombardía and winemaker Cecilia Fernández warned of long-term risks from smoke taint, urging growers to irrigate and ventilate vines to salvage what remains.
The human dimension is stark: more than 60 municipalities in Ourense rely on viticulture as their primary economic activity. With vines and harvests lost, many families face uncertain futures.
The Long Road to Recovery
Experts warn that recovery will take years, not months. While vines can act as natural firebreaks thanks to their moisture, smoke and radiant heat have rendered much of the surviving fruit unsuitable for winemaking. Many vineyards may require replanting, heavy pruning, or years of careful rehabilitation before returning to full production.
Beyond grapes, livestock farms linked to wineries have also suffered. Burned pastures forced the evacuation of animals, while restaurants tied to wine tourism have had to close temporarily.
The tragedy has sparked urgent calls from winemakers and local officials for better forest management policies. Farmers argue that insufficient clearing and land management left rural areas highly vulnerable to uncontrollable blazes.
Preserving Spain’s Wine Heritage
The fires of August 2025 represent more than just an agricultural setback—they threaten the cultural identity of Spain’s historic wine regions. In Valdeorras, Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, and Herreros de Jamuz, the destruction of centuries-old vines is a loss to history as much as to commerce.
Yet amid devastation, there is resilience. Communities are uniting to rebuild, and wineries are already planning replanting and recovery strategies. As one grower put it: “Protecting a vineyard takes decades of work; losing it takes minutes. But we will start again.”
Source: Vinetur