Pickett Fire Deals $65 Million Blow to Napa

For winemakers, the timing of the blaze could not have been worse. The fire struck during the critical ripening period known as veraison, the weeks leading up to harvest in September and October. “The most risky period is from what we call ‘veraison’ until the harvest time,” explained viticulture expert Kazaz. “So if you have a wildfire like today, then you’re more likely to be exposed to smoke taint in your production.”

According to Napa County’s Agricultural Commissioner, the fire has affected roughly 1,500 acres of crops. Of the grapes impacted, about 20% suffered direct damage from flames and heat, while the remaining 80% were harmed by exposure to smoke.

Smoke taint has become a defining challenge for California winemakers in recent years. The phenomenon imparts unpleasant flavors often described as ashy, burnt, or medicinal. It occurs when wildfire smoke introduces volatile phenols into ripening grapes. Once inside the fruit, enzymes quickly bind these compounds to sugars, creating inactive precursors. Although undetectable at first, fermentation or time in the bottle can release the volatile phenols, reactivating the smoky aromas and making them perceivable in the finished wine.

The result is a lingering reminder of wildfire long after the flames are gone—and a costly setback for one of California’s most prized industries. With smoke damage threatening both grape quality and consumer perception, the Napa Valley wine community faces another difficult year in the shadow of fire.

Historical Wildfires in Napa County

Napa County has endured numerous major wildfires over the decades. Records from Cal Fire and local archives detail several devastating blazes:

• LNU Lightning Complex Fires (August–October 2020): The largest in county history, burning an estimated 165,000 acres in Napa (over 300,000 acres across multiple counties), destroying 522 structures

• Glass Fire (September–October 2020): Consumed around 40,000 acres, destroyed 1,022 structures, and caused extensive damage to wineries and hospitality venues; 8% of that vintage’s wine grapes went unharvested due to smoke taint

• 2017 North Bay Firestorm: Comprised of several fires:

  • Tubbs Fire: Burned approximately 36,800 acres across Napa and Sonoma, destroyed 5,643 structures, and caused 22 fatalities

  • Atlas Fire: Burned 51,624 acres, destroyed 783 structures, and caused 6 deaths

  • Nuns Fire: Included in the 2017 burn zone, affecting Napa with significant destruction . Combined, the 2017 fires ravaged over 195,000 acres in the North Bay

• County Fire (June–July 2018): Scorched 90,288 acres across Yolo and Napa counties, destroyed 20 structures, cost over $46.9 million (2018 USD)

• Butts Fire (July 2014): Burned 4,300 acres in Pope Valley, destroyed 2 homes, and caused 2 civilian deaths

Additional notable historical fires include:

• Great Fire of 1870, 1913 Chiles Valley Fire, 1931 Berryessa Valley Fire, and the 1964 Hanly (approx. 56,000 acres), 1965 fires (40,000 acres), and 1981 Atlas Peak Fire (34,000 acres)—all among some of Napa County’s most destructive early-century wildfires