Protect Your Winery From Wildfire
We tell you exactly what threatens your winery, prioritize the fixes, and show you the fastest path to reducing wildfire risk.
The Threat Is Real
California's wine industry contributes over $57 billion annually to the state economy. In 2017 and 2020, wildfires tore through Sonoma and Napa Counties, destroying or severely damaging dozens of wineries. The 2020 Glass Fire alone leveled at least 30 winery properties. Insured losses from the 2017 and 2018 fires topped $20 billion, more than twice the insurance industry's profits since 1991.
Castello di Amorosa estimated $20 million in damages. Burgess Cellars lost its original 1880s winery. Cain Vineyard lost all of its 2019 and 2020 vintages. Spring Mountain Vineyard saw historic buildings dating to 1873 burn to the ground.
These were not small operations or obscure locations. They were some of the most recognized names in American wine. The lesson is clear: wildfire does not discriminate by reputation or investment.
Photo: ABC7 San Francisco. Winery destruction from the 2020 Glass Fire.
Wineries Damaged or Destroyed in Recent California Wildfires
Fairwinds Estate Winery
Glass Fire (2020)
Completely leveled. The entire property was destroyed.
Chateau Boswell
Glass Fire (2020)
Main stone building destroyed on the first night, along with wines dating back to 1979.
Burgess Cellars
Glass Fire (2020)
The original 1880s winery and barrel warehouse on Howell Mountain, completely destroyed.
Sherwin Family Vineyards
Glass Fire (2020)
The entire winery was destroyed.
Cain Vineyard & Winery
Glass Fire (2020)
Lost the main winery, an 1871 barn, and all 2019 and 2020 vintages.
Flying Lady Winery
Glass Fire (2020)
Recently renovated winery building and stored vintages destroyed.
Hourglass Winery
Glass Fire (2020)
Facility and a 162-year-old guest house demolished.
Behrens Family Winery
Glass Fire (2020)
Main winery building destroyed.
Signorello Estate
Atlas Fire (2017)
Completely destroyed. Rebuilt over several years at enormous cost.
Castello di Amorosa
Glass Fire (2020)
Lost a farmhouse, offices, bottling line, and 120,000 bottles. Estimated $20 million in damages.
Newton Vineyard
Glass Fire (2020)
Owned by Moët Hennessy. Majority of the property suffered severe damage. Large portions of vines lost.
Spring Mountain Vineyard
Glass Fire (2020)
Several historic buildings destroyed, including an 1873-era winery.
Return on Investment
Why Mitigation Pays for Itself
A wildfire assessment is not just a safety measure. It is a business decision that protects your operation, your insurance, your brand, and your bottom line.
Protect Millions in Assets
A single winery can have $5 million to $50 million in combined structure, equipment, and inventory value. Our assessment costs a fraction of one percent of what you stand to lose.
Keep Your Insurance
Winery insurance cancellations in California jumped from 118 in 2017 to 616 in 2020. Premiums have risen 500% for some operators. A documented mitigation plan demonstrates to insurers that your property is actively managed.
Protect Your Brand
Wildfire threatens winery structures, barrel inventory, equipment, and tasting rooms. The 2020 Glass Fire destroyed or damaged dozens of operations across the region. Smoke taint is a separate regional risk your assessment helps you plan around.
Satisfy Lender Requirements
Banks and lenders increasingly require proof of insurance for vineyard and winery loans. Without adequate coverage, financing can fall apart. Our assessment provides the documentation lenders want to see.
The Winery Insurance Crisis
Insurance carriers have been leaving the California market at an alarming rate. The number of canceled fire policies for wineries jumped from 118 in 2017 to 616 in 2020. Some operators have seen premiums rise from $40,000 to $300,000 per year for less coverage than they had before.
Many wineries have been forced onto the California FAIR Plan, the state's "insurer of last resort," which provides only bare-bones fire coverage. Without documentation of active mitigation efforts, the path back to standard insurance is nearly impossible.
A professional wildfire assessment from Wildfire Mitigation Advisors creates the documentation you need. We identify every risk, prioritize the fixes, and give you a clear plan that demonstrates to carriers that your property is actively managed.
616
Winery policies canceled in 2020
500%
Premium increases for some operators
$20B+
Insured losses from 2017-2018 fires
What We Assess at Your Winery
Our winery assessments go far beyond a standard residential evaluation. We understand the unique risks that wine operations face.
Tasting rooms, production buildings, and barrel storage
Defensible space zones around all structures
Access roads for fire engines and emergency evacuation
Water supply and fire suppression systems
Vegetation management across the full property
Fuel storage, electrical systems, and ignition sources
Employee safety and evacuation planning
Guest and event area emergency procedures
Surrounding terrain, slope, and wind exposure
Insurance documentation and compliance
Why Wineries Choose Wildfire Mitigation Advisors
Other firms offer wildfire services, but we bring something different to the table.
Experience That Matters
Stuart Mitchell has completed over 1,000 property assessments across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties. That includes wineries, estates, ranches, and commercial properties. Few firms anywhere have this depth of hands-on, local experience.
Independent Assessment
Your assessment fee is the only payment we receive for your assessment. We perform no remediation work and accept no per-referral fees or commissions tied to the work that follows. Every recommendation is based on standards and your property's actual conditions.
NFPA Certified
Stuart Mitchell holds the Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS) credential from the National Fire Protection Association. This is the gold standard for wildfire risk professionals and ensures your assessment meets the highest industry standards.
Detailed, Actionable Reports
You receive a comprehensive written report with photographs, prioritized recommendations ranked by risk level, and clear next steps. This is not a generic checklist. Every item is specific to your property, your terrain, and your operation.
Featured Project: Bartholomew Estate Vineyard & Winery
Wildfire Mitigation Advisors completed a full wildfire assessment, safety plan, and evacuation plan for Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. The property covers 375 acres of vineyards, gardens, and forest, and is open to the public as a park and tasting destination.
See All ProjectsWinery Wildfire Assessment FAQ
Common questions about wildfire mitigation for wineries and vineyards
Insights on wildfire risk and property protection from our field experience
Find Out What Threatens Your Winery
We identify every risk on your winery property, prioritize the fixes, and hand you a clear plan. Over 1,000 assessments completed across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties.
Schedule Your Winery Assessment