Residents, winegrowers and firefighters across Sierra de Gredos – which is around 150km west of Madrid – are battling one of the most destructive wildfires in Spain’s recent history.
As of Sunday, 26 July, the Burgohondo fire remained active, although its main perimeter had been contained, with several fronts still burning. The latest estimates suggest that it has affected more than 50,000 hectares in the province of Ávila and forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes or remain confined.
The region, internationally renowned for its old-vine Garnacha and Albillo Real, remains under severe pressure. Firefighters have been working to control the blaze since it began near Burgohondo last Wednesday.
It is still too early to assess the full extent of the damage to vineyards. Many producers remain unable to enter the affected areas, while others are only now beginning to discover what has been lost.
Historic San Gregorio vineyard damaged
Among the vineyard losses confirmed so far is the San Gregorio vineyard belonging to Bodega El Reventón, owned by Adrianna Catena, Alejandro Vigil and Gearóid Lane.
The old-vine parcel, which produces one of the estate’s top wines, has suffered extensive fire damage.
“We have suffered huge damage to our historic San Gregorio vineyard, whose wonderful grapes make one of our two single-parcel wines,” said Gearóid Lane, co-founder of Bodega El Reventón.
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