On Tuesday, August 5th, a devastating wildfire erupted near Ribaute in France’s Aude department. Driven by extreme heat, dryness, and high winds, it became the largest wildfire in France since 1949—ravaging 16,000 hectares (40,000 acres) by Wednesday evening.

Our dear friends Gaëlle & Florian Richter of Domaine des Deux Clés were caught directly in its path. Thankfully, they and their two young children are safe, but their village of Fontjoncouse had to be evacuated. While their home and cellar survived, the fire destroyed 7.5 of their 12.5 hectares of vines—many planted before 1950—and nearly all their vineyard and harvest equipment.

Harvest was set to begin next week. What remains is smoke-tainted fruit, and Gaëlle & Florian refuse to compromise their wines with aggressive remediation. Insurance and government aid will come eventually, but those processes move slowly—and time is critical.

Their most urgent need is immediate funding to purchase grapes from outside sources so they can produce wine this year and keep their business alive.

Every dollar helps and no amount is too small.