DEVASTATION IN FRANCE

Wildfires in Chateau Cascasdais

In early August, the Aude region, particularly the Corbières Massif, was devastated by a massive wildfire. The blaze consumed approximately 17,000 hectares—an area comparable to the size of Dublin.

At least 900 hectares of vineyards were burned or affected, with up to 80% of vines on some farms damaged or destroyed. Authorities have linked the scale and ferocity of the fire to climate change, extended drought, extreme heat, and windy conditions, noting that the spread was worsened by abandoned and overgrown land.

Unfortunately, the vineyards of our friend Phillipe Courrain were consumed in the fires and within hours, years of work and dedication were ablaze in his beloved Chateau Cascadais. The olive groves were decimated and the fire raged through his rows of vines and around his house. No one was harmed but the fire leaves all involved with this beautiful vineyard with heavy hearts.

Even vines that escaped in the couple of fields close to the house may suffer from smoke taint, making surviving grapes potentially unusable.

You reap what you sow

Historically, well-maintained vineyards have acted as natural fire breaks, helping to slow or stop the advance of wildfires. However, over the last year, nearly 5,000 hectares of vineyards in the Aude region were uprooted—often due to government incentives to reduce wine production and changing drinking habits. These abandoned and shrubby areas have become highly flammable, accelerating fire spread rather than containing it.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou noted that where vineyards still stood, they often halted the fire, whereas in areas with removed or neglected vines, the fire advanced uncontested leaving a trail of destruction.

We wish Phillipe and his family all the best and hope the vineyards of Cascadais will again regain their unique splendour.