'It's a miracle': Napa's historic Nichelini Winery spared from Hennessy blaze

ByCornell W. Barnard KGO logo
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Historic Napa Valley winery spared from Hennessy blaze
On Sage Canyon Road, the historic Nichelini Winery was threatened, but was ultimately saved from the Hennessy Fire.

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- On Sage Canyon Road, a historic winery was threatened Tuesday but was ultimately saved from the Hennessy Fire.

"It's a miracle," said Phil Sunseri.

RELATED: Hennessey Fire: Evacuations underway as 10,000-acre Napa Co. wildfire threatens homes

Sunseri's family has owned The Nichelini Winery since 1890, one of California's oldest.

The fire came within feet of the historic structure, but Cal Fire crews managed to save it.

"The building is made of kiln-dried redwood, who knew it could have survived when everything around it was destroyed," said Sunseri.

RELATED: Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency due to fires amid heat wave

According to Cal Fire, the Hennessey Fire was caused by lightning as thunderstorms moved through the Bay Area on Monday.

It has since burned more than 10,000 acres, which is a little more than four square miles.

The fire is currently 0% contained.

Go here for more updates and for the latest on mandatory evacuations in the area.

Go here for updates on other fires burning in the Bay Area.

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