Two million bottles of wine destroyed in warehouse fire

80 employees evacuated after blaze breaks out at storage facilities in Bordeaux

Typical port wine cellar (Getty Images)

Two million bottles of wine are believed to have been destroyed in a huge warehouse fire in south west France.

Almost 60 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, which broke out across storage facility buildings in the suburb of Gironde in Bordeaux around 3pm on Tuesday.

Despite extinguishing the flames several hours later, a vast quantity of alcohol owned by the Sovex Grands Châteaux producer was consumed in the fire.

Around two million bottles were either destroyed or made “unfit” by the blaze, according to The Local news site’s French edition.

Around 80 employees were evacuated from the buildings and no injuries were reported.

The fire is thought to have started in one of the warehouse’s false ceilings, which fell onto several pallets and crates of wine.

Police have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire and the company is consulting with its insurers on the extent of the damage.

Founded in 1982, Sovex Grands Châteaux sells wines in more than 50 countries around the world.

On Thursday, French president Emmanuel Macron thanked hundreds of firefighters who helped save Notre Dame Cathedral.

During a ceremony at the Elysee presidential palace, Mr Macron said: “We’ve seen before our eyes [your] responsibility, courage, solidarity and a meticulous organisation. The worst has been avoided.”

He said the firefighters would get a medal of honour for their courage and devotion.