Following the Smoke Signals: Elucidating the Future of US Smoke Exposure Research

Authors: Rumbaugh, Arran; LIANG, CHEN - University Of California, Davis; MAIOLI, FRANCESCO - University Of California, Davis; WALLIS, CHRIS - University Of California, Davis; CREMERS, NOELLE - Wine Institute; HANSEN, MELISSA - Washington State Wine Commission; COLLINS, TOM - Washington State University; MENG, JUN - Washington State University; TOMASINO, ELIZABETH - Oregon State University; STOLL, ROB - University Of Utah; Castro, Claudia; Coleman-Derr, Devin; Thilmony, Roger; Mahaffee, Walter; Lee, Jungmin

Submitted to: Online Publication
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/25/2025
Publication Date: 7/29/2025
Citation: Rumbaugh, A.C., Liang, C., Maioli, F., Wallis, C., Cremers, N., Hansen, M., Collins, T., Meng, J., Tomasino, E., Stoll, R., Castro, C.A., Coleman-Derr, D.A., Thilmony, R.L., Mahaffee, W.F., Lee, J. 2025. Following the smoke signals: elucidating the future of us smoke exposure research. Available: https://www.wcsetf.org/research/smoke-exposure-research-roadmap/.

Interpretive Summary: The workshop aimed to unite researchers and industry stakeholders to explore the impact of wildfire smoke on grapevines and wine quality, focusing on advancing research and identifying key areas of concern. Discussions centered on improving smoke detection methods, understanding the chemical processes behind smoke taint, and developing strategies to mitigate its effects on wine quality. Collaboration between researchers and industry members was emphasized to bridge knowledge gaps and create tools for real-time smoke exposure assessment. The workshop's objectives included producing a comprehensive report on the current state of the science, identifying future research priorities, and fostering global dialogue about wildfire smoke's impact on viticulture. Ultimately, the goal was to develop actionable, science-based solutions for managing smoke exposure and refining predictive models to ensure vineyard sustainability and high-quality wine production in fire-prone regions. The submitted roadmap is the comprehensive report that was created from this workshop. It details the research initiatives currently underway and where future research is headed. Over 50 researchers and industry members were able to contribute their expertise to the roadmap, creating a guide for grape growers and winemakers, but also for researchers.

Technical Abstract: Wildfire smoke is an emerging threat specifically to viticulture systems in the United States, threatening both the cultural and economic value of the grape and wine industry. The thermal degradation of lignin in plants generates several volatile phenolic compounds which are later absorbed by grapevines. As a detoxification response, these compounds are metabolized by the plant resulting in an accumulation of compounds associated with smoke exposure. For instance, volatile phenols can be glycosylated by adding on sugar moieties, altering their solubility and rendering them odorless. During winemaking and consumption, these compounds are released into their aroma-active forms. The presence of these compounds—such as volatile phenols, thiophenols, and their glycoconjugates—can lead to "smoke taint," a defect in wine that imparts undesirable smoky and ashy flavors, severely affecting wine quality. The phenomenon of smoke taint has sparked a growing body of scientific research aimed at understanding how wildfire smoke affects both grapevines and the wines they produce. Assessing smoke impact in grapes and wine relies on identifying specific chemical markers, such as volatile phenols, thiophenols, and their glycoconjugates. Specialized analytical instruments are used to assess the extent of smoke contamination, helping winemakers make informed decisions about harvest timing and fruit selection. Given the potential for smoke taint to compromise wine quality, this issue has far-reaching implications for the economic stability of the US wine industry, which relies on consistent, high-quality grape production. As a result, addressing smoke exposure and taint has become a key focus of ongoing research and industry discussions, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to safeguard both wine quality and the livelihoods of growers.