Wildfire Smoke Resources

Dear Wineries and Vineyards, 

With wildfires and smoke across the Northwest, we wanted to update you with the latest resources developed by the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force, of which the Washington State Commission and Washington Winegrowers are members.

SMOKE RESOURCES GUIDE

The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force (WCSETF) has created a Smoke Resources Guide, which includes important information on wildfire preparedness, best practices, and crop insurance, as well as links to practical tools and resources.

The guide provides information on:

RISK ASSESSMENT
Wildfire smoke conditions can change quickly during harvest. Monitor air quality regularly and be prepared to implement wildfire smoke safety requirements when conditions warrant. Review Wildfire Preparedness Resources for guidance on how to prepare for a wildfire near or on your property.

SMOKE IMPACTS
Predicting grape smoke exposure risk based on distance from a fire is challenging. Read WCSETF’s Smoke Impact FAQs for additional information.

BEST PRACTICES
Quantitative lab tests coupled with sensory analysis of wine produced from smoke-exposed grapes is the best way to determine the risk posed by smoke-exposed grapes to wine quality. Sampling protocols for growers and winemakers can be found here. 

Including:

• Grape Sampling Protocol for Growers
• Micro-Fermentation Protocol
• Nano-Scale Fermentation Protocol

CROP INSURANCE
Crop insurance plays a big part in the recovery after a smoke exposure loss. For growers who carry crop insurance, it is important to keep in mind the specific steps necessary to process a smoke claim. Utilize our Smoke Claims Quick Reference Checklist and Crop Insurance Detailed Guide for guidance. More crop insurance resources can be found on the WCSETF website.

Smoke Resources Guide

 

SMOKE RESEARCH

A few months ago, the industry’s annual WAVE seminar series focused on the state of smoke science. This event brought together speakers from across the West Coast to discuss the latest developments in smoke research.

All of the presentations are available for your to view on our website, including:

• Beyond the Smokescreen: Progress and Priorities – Dr. Arran Rumbaugh, USDA-Agricultural Research Service
• Establishing Sensory Thresholds – Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino, Oregon State University
• When Smoke Meets Vine: Uncovering a Genetic Symphony – Dr. Huiting Zhang, WSU
• Smoke Emissions, Atmospheric Aging and Deposition – Dr. Mike Kleeman, University of California-Davis
• Prevention in the Vineyard – Dr. Tom Collins, WSU
• Thiol Chemistry – Dr. MacKenzie Aragon, WSU
• Mitigation Technologies for the Wineries – Dr. Bob Coleman, WSU and Treasury Wine Estates