What the FOG: Why Are There Tarped Vine Piles in Napa Valley?

If you’ve driven around Napa Valley lately, you’ve probably spotted big piles of vineyard wood sitting out in fields, ideally, each one neatly covered with a tarp. They may look mysterious, but they’re actually an important part of responsible vineyard stewardship.

When growers remove old or diseased vines, the woody material can’t just be hauled away or left in place. Those trunks and roots can harbor pests and diseases, and transporting them off-site risks spreading harmful organisms to other vineyards. The safest and most effective way to eliminate these threats is to burn the material on-site, but to do it cleanly.

That’s where NVG’s Low Smoke Agricultural Burning Program comes in. Growers stack vine piles and cover them with tarps to keep the centers dry during fall and winter rains. Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner, dramatically reducing smoke and helping protect the Valley’s air quality. Once the piles are fully “seasoned,” growers work with the Air District and the Ag Commissioner to burn them only on approved burn days.
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So those tarped piles you’re seeing? They’re a sign of careful planning and environmental responsibility. It’s one more way Napa Valley growers protect vineyard health while caring for the land and community we all share.