The wine-producing vineyards acted as a protective barrier, halting the progression of the fire towards the surrounding villages in the Valdeorras region.

Fires in Ourense Affect Valdeorras Vineyards, Accelerating Grape Harvest

Wine producers in the Valdeorras region of Ourense, Galicia, have started the early harvest of Godello grapes due to the impact of the recent forest fires. The exact wineries affected have not been detailed, but they include producers in Valdeorras, one of the four D.O. regions in Ourense renowned for Godello.

The fires, which have swept through the region, have caused unanticipated changes in the sugar and alcohol levels of the grapes. According to estimates, losses due to the fires are between 20% and 30% of the harvest, with between 8,000 and 10,000 kilos of grapes lost.

Joaquín Rebolledo, a winemaker in the region, has already begun the early harvest of Godello grapes. Berna Guitian of Bodegas Berna and Raúl Prada of Bodegas Valdesil have both reported that the grapes have been exposed to extreme conditions due to the fires. Guitian expressed sadness at the losses incurred during the fires, while Prada announced that the harvest has been advanced by 20 days.

The fires have also had a dehydrating effect on the grapes, resulting in a lower weight of the grapes. The increased sugar concentration causes the alcohol level to rise more than expected.

Despite the devastating impact of the fires, the vineyards in Valdeorras have proven to be effective fire barriers, preventing the fires from entering towns. Rodrigo Enríquez of the Valdeorras Regulatory Council described the vineyards as a "great miracle" in the fire.

The role of well-maintained and cultivated vineyards as fire barriers is being recognised, and future territory planning will take this into account. The intense heat, smoke, and ashes from the fires have caused a dehydration of the grapes in the affected vineyards, but the resilience of the Godello grape variety, born in Valdeorras, has been highlighted.

As the fires continue to burn, the wine industry in the region is adapting to the challenges posed by the extreme conditions. The early harvest is a testament to the determination of the winemakers in the region to produce quality wines, despite the adversities faced.