Strong winds coupled with a lack of rainfall caused hundreds of fires over the last month, which has impacted several provinces in Southern Chile known for producing wine.
The fires have burned over one million acres of the country’s vineyards.
The fires have killed at least 25 people, destroying more than 2,100 homes and businesses.
- Chile’s Itata Valley, one of the country’s biggest wine-making hubs, has been significantly impacted by the intense blazes that have damaged most of the grapes designated for 2023 wine production.
- Chile boasts a winemaking culture that dates back to the 16th century when Spanish colonizers planted the first vines which they brought from Spain.
- Chilean wineries and growers now face a threat to their livelihood, but local fundraisers and donations have been launched to help them recover. Wines of Chile’s U.S.-based office has started a GoFundMe to help winemakers in Itata, and Chile’s Talca University has committed to providing resources and support.
