Corbières winemakers unite after devastating wildfire destroys vineyards and crops in southern France

In the Corbières region of southern France, winemakers are facing a difficult recovery after a devastating wildfire swept through the area in August. The fire, which burned approximately 16,000 hectares between August 5 and 12, destroyed vineyards, olive groves, and truffle oaks. Among those affected is Laurent Bachevillier, whose six hectares of AOC Corbières vines—planted in 2010 between the villages of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse and Tournissan—were consumed by flames that reached ten meters high.

Walking through his charred land, Bachevillier points out the remains of his tractor, now just a burnt shell, and rows of scorched vines. Despite the destruction, he pauses to feed his donkeys, which survived the fire against all odds. “They stayed right in the middle of the field,” he explains. “The field was overgrazed, with no grass left. So the fire went around it.”

In this challenging moment, Bachevillier has found support from fellow winemakers. Several have offered him grapes so he can continue to make wine this year. “We really didn’t expect this kind of generosity and support,” he says, visibly moved. “It brings tears to my eyes because it’s truly wonderful.”

Before dawn on Friday, Bachevillier and a former apprentice traveled to La Palme, near the seaside town of Port-la-Nouvelle. There, Marc Castan, another winemaker, offered part of his harvest free of charge. Bachevillier picked the grapes himself; within two hours, 500 kilograms of syrah were loaded into a trailer.

“We’re getting 500 kilos from Marc,” Bachevillier says. “Other winemakers will also give us grapes, and we’ll buy some more to make up the difference. It’s a strange year from an oenological point of view.”

Castan says he wanted to help because solidarity is essential in times like these. “If I were in this situation, I’d want help—whether physical or moral support,” he says. “We have to be united, and at some point, Corbières must keep going.” He adds that while there is a loss for everyone this year, sharing a few hundred kilos will not make a significant difference to individual producers but can help those most affected.

With his grape bins full, Bachevillier returns to his winery in Ribaute—the village where the fire started on August 5. His farm, Les Cascades, which he runs with his wife, also lost two hectares each of olive trees and truffle oaks in the blaze. The couple supplements their income with three guest rooms on their property.

Bachevillier plans to blend the donated grapes to stay true to the style of his usual wines. As he pours grapes into a fermentation tank, he says they will produce a cuvée called “Petites cascades,” focusing on fruit-forward and lighter flavors.

It remains uncertain whether Bachevillier will receive government aid after suffering losses in what officials say is the worst wildfire in France’s Mediterranean region in at least fifty years. On August 14, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visited the area and announced an emergency fund of eight million euros to compensate for lost crops and damaged equipment or buildings. However, Bachevillier is unsure if he will qualify for assistance.

For now, community support is helping him move forward as Corbières winemakers work together to ensure their region’s traditions survive another difficult year.