Support Gorge Wineries After the Burdoin Fire—One Bottle at a Time
The Burdoin Fire has left a powerful mark on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, scorching over 11,000 acres and destroying more than 130 structures. Among those affected are several local wineries, some of which have suffered damage to vineyards, while others have lost buildings, equipment, or inventory. As the fire’s impact continues to unfold, the local wine community is already facing the challenge of recovery—and there’s a meaningful way for wine lovers to help: by joining a local wine club or purchasing directly from Gorge wineries and retail outlets.
Syncline Winery
Since 1999, James and Poppie Mantone have cultivated world-class wines at their Syncline estate. This month, they watched fire sweep through their vineyard, destroying cover crops, drip lines, and newly planted vines. Though their buildings and equipment were spared, the smoke damage to their grapes could mean the loss of their entire 2024 crop.
But in true Gorge fashion, the community has stepped up. Fellow growers have offered grapes to help Syncline make wine this fall—proof that collaboration runs deep in these hills.
James, who also volunteers as a firefighter in Lyle, has been on the front lines every day since the fire started. “A huge debt of gratitude to all who ran towards this fire to protect our places as well as our neighbors,” he said.
Now it’s our turn to help protect what James and Poppie have built. Joining the Syncline Wine Club is a direct way to support their recovery and ensure the winery continues to thrive, even in the wake of disaster.
Domaine Pouillon
Support Domaine Pouillon by joining their wine club and becoming part of a dedicated community that values sustainable farming, hand-crafted wines, and local resilience. While Domaine Pouillon is still assessing the full impact of the Burdoin Fire, your membership helps provide stability during a season of uncertainty. Wine club members receive curated shipments of small-lot wines, invitations to exclusive events, and the opportunity to directly support a family-owned winery committed to the future of Gorge winemaking.
Join Domaine Pouillon’s Wine Club
Baro Wine: A Dream Interrupted, But Not Extinguished
A few miles away, Eric and Ashley Blossman of Baro Wine are facing an even more staggering loss. Their newly planted syrah vineyard was likely destroyed, and their winery, crush pad, cellar, tractor shed, and pumphouse were completely lost to the fire. They also lost roughly 3,000 cases of wine—nearly their entire inventory from the 2023 vintage.
Only 50 cases remain, stored off-site. Their home, miraculously, was saved—thanks to a neighbor who helped fight back the flames.
Eric and his team are still in shock, processing what comes next. “We need to see if we even have the energy to attack it again,” he said. “We were just starting to get some traction.”
If you’ve enjoyed a bottle of Baro Wine—or if you simply want to help a small winery rebuild—keep in touch as we will update ways to help. In the meanwhile, you can purchase from the 50 cases of wine that was stored off-site.
Cor Cellars
Cor Cellars, located just outside of Lyle, Washington, is known for crafting elegant, expressive wines that reflect the distinct character of the Columbia Gorge and Horse Heaven Hills. While their structures remain intact, the Burdoin Fire is a reminder of the challenges our local winemakers face. Cor Cellars continues to pour their heart into every bottle, and one of the most direct ways to support them is by joining their wine club. Members receive seasonal shipments, exclusive wines, and access to events that celebrate the spirit of the Gorge. Join the Cor Cellars wine club and be part of sustaining this vital community.
How You Can Help Right Now
The Columbia River Gorge wine community is resilient, but it needs your support. Here’s how you can help:
- Join a wine club
- Share their stories on social media to encourage support from others.
- Visit Washington’s side of the Gorge this summer and fall. Your tourism dollars matter more than ever.
- Support Businesses in Bingen and White Salmon who are donating to the Red Cross and offering discounts to our first responders.
- Attend the Pour It Forward community fundraiser on Sunday, July 24th at 7:00 PM in downtown White Salmon (151 NE Tohomish St). Beer, live music and pizza.
Even if the vines have burned, the spirit of these winemakers has not. Let’s rally behind them with the same passion they pour into every bottle.
Buy wine. Join a club. Support recovery.
Because in the Gorge, we rebuild together—glass by glass.
