Elena Górriz, a researcher at the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), presented the findings of the Fire Wine – Vins de Foc project at the 2025 Spanish Forestry Congress. The project is part of the European initiative FireRes and highlights the crucial role of winegrowers in reducing wildfire risks and fostering resilient landscapes.

Managing the landscape through the creation of agroforestry mosaics can help slow the spread of wildfires, yet the vital role played by farmers is often overlooked — particularly in vineyards that serve as productive firebreaks. Based on surveys, interviews, workshops, and field visits with winegrowers, wineries, and appellations across various regions, the research revealed a wide range of perceptions about wildfire risk, often shaped by the degree of personal or local experience with fire and its side effects on grape production. The study also documented vineyard management practices that not only protect the vines but can also support firefighting efforts. During the congress, the FireWine label was introduced as a distinctive mark recognizing the role of wine producers in shaping landscapes that are better prepared to withstand wildfire risk — a threat made more urgent by the ongoing climate crisis.