Gallo donates $100,000 to wildfire relief

E.&J. Gallo Winery of Modesto has donated $100,000 to wildfire relief efforts in and near Calaveras and Lake counties.

The company itself has been affected by the latter blaze, which displaced some of its North Coast employees and apparently damaged one of its vineyards, spokesman John Segale said Wednesday.

Gallo gave the money to the American Red Cross to help provide food, shelter and other needs for fire victims.

“This disaster strikes close to home, as we have employees who have been personally affected by the recent California wildfires, and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted,” said Joseph Gallo, chief executive officer and president, in a news release.

As of Wednesday morning, the Butte fire has burned 233 homes and 71,780 acres in Calaveras and Amador counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It reported that the Valley fire has burned 585 homes and about 70,000 acres in Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties.

“We have a number of employees that have been affected by the Valley fire,” Segale said. “We are thankful to report that these employees are safe along with their families.”

The blaze appears to have singed the premium Snows Lake Vineyard in Lake County, but the company has not been able to assess the damage.

“Our other vineyards in the region appear to be OK at this time but remain at risk,” Segale said.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Gallo donates $100,000 to wildfire relief."