In early August 2025, the Aude department suffered one of the most significant wildfires in recent decades, devastating between 16,000 and 17,000 hectares in the Corbières massif. The fire, considered the most serious since 1949, led to the evacuation of thousands of residents.
In the vineyards, between 800 and 900 hectares were directly affected by the fire, while up to 80% of the vines on some farms were burned or damaged. Beyond the visible damage, the smoke and ash also threaten the quality of the remaining grapes, with a high risk of a “smoky” flavor or even total unproductibility of the affected harvests.
Another aggravating factor is the loss of vineyards that previously acted as a natural barrier against flames. In recent years, nearly 5,000 hectares of vineyards have been uprooted, often due to drought or financial incentives to reduce production. These wastelands are becoming highly flammable areas, favoring the spread of fires. Winegrowers, agricultural unions, and elected officials are denouncing the disappearance of these natural firebreaks and calling for support measures to preserve Mediterranean vineyards.
The 2025 fire in the Aude region is a severe blow to a wine-growing region already weakened by drought and climate change. It highlights the crucial importance of maintaining vineyards, not only for the economy, but also as a natural barrier against fires. In the face of this disaster, calls are being made for a plan for wine-growing recovery and resilience to prevent the Aude region—and its landscapes—from becoming a “desert of ash.”