Smoke from wildfires could change taste of wines

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The smoke from several wildfires in California could change the taste of your favorite wines. Many vineyards used for wine grape production are near one or more of the fires.

Jim Kennedy with the Department of Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State says the grapes absorb the compounds in the smoke known as smoke taint. When the fruit is turned into wine, the smoke compounds are re-released -- resembling the character and smell of an ashtray.

Kennedy says the problem isn't easily noticeable and can surface later.