The Wine Business reported on Tuesday that the neighbors of Napa winery, Reverie II, filed a lawsuit against the business, claiming that the owners irresponsibly hired a landscaper who was uninsured and unlicensed to work on the property, which allegedly contributed to a 60-acre wildfire in June 2024. The exact cause of the fire remains unavailable to the public.
The Crystal Springs fire broke out on June 5, 2024 and damaged upwards of 60 acres, according to Cal Fire. The lawsuit claims that the landscaper, Angel Melendez Pimenetel, inadvertently started the fire after the vineyard owners hired him to weed and perform tree maintenance work along the property. Part of Pimenetel’s work involved a gas-powered saw, which the lawsuit alleges contributed the blaze.
Pimenetel faces both misdemeanor and infraction charges from law enforcement. Authorities slapped Pimenetel with the misdemeanor charge of starting the fire, which damaged the neighboring property. He additionally faces an infraction charge for not having a fire extinguisher nearby at the time of the incident.
The fire burned in a similar pattern to where 2020’s catastrophic Glass Fire took place and caused “significant damage” to Galatia Vineyards and Winery LLC. The plaintiffs claim it scorched structures on the estate, in addition to harming vineyard infrastructure, while damaging economic output.
How Wildfires Are Becoming A New Normal In California
Wildfires appear to be a new normal in California, and in January, the deadly Los Angeles Firestorm killed 29 people as fires raged through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena area. The hefty death toll combined with an estimated $53.8 billion in property damage, according to NBC News, makes the LA Firestorm one of the most destructive wildfires in recent history.
The Eaton Canyon fire, in particular, ranks as the 5th deadliest wildfire in the history of California, with 17 deaths as of January 28, 2025 according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
Whiskey brands like Sazerac immediately stepped up to the plate to offer support to victims of the Los Angeles firestorm, particularly those affected within the hospitality sector. In February, Sazerac offered several rare whiskeys for auction, which included the first single barrel of Pappy Van Winkle. Funds were split between multiple nonprofits, including World Central Kitchen and Another Round Another Rally.
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