Wildfires have already decimated 42,000 hectares in Bordeaux's Gironde region. Even though vineyards are still safe from the blaze, winegrowers fear the grapes might take on a 'smoke taint' if fumes from the fires get to the vines.
Grapes are still in their veraison period; from a small green marble, they are starting to grow into bigger burgundy or golden coloured fruit. It's a decisive phase of the grape's maturation when smoke can impact the wine's aroma.
