The Tragic Sonoma, Mendocino, and Napa Fires
Want to donate to the Napa & Sonoma fires? Start Drinking! This is a quote from a Napa native. And this really is the best way to help the region recover after the devastating fires.
Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino were ravaged by out of control wildfires for over a week. The damage is severe both in human terms and economic impact. Everyone wants to help, but the question is how. There are a number of great charities and agencies that are coordinating relief efforts, supporting the brave firefighters and comforting evacuees. Donating your time or money to these groups is one way to help.
The other way to help is to visit and to drink. We know, tough assignment. The Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa fires are going to have a major negative impact on the wine economy. There is no way to avoid this. There are damaged crops, potentially tainted or destroyed wine, destroyed vines, and fewer tourists. It is natural for visitors to hold back on their Napa visit when all they see in the news are flames and charred buildings.
Wine Country Is Open For Business
We want you to spread the word that the wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino are open for business. While the fire impacted many, there are hundreds of wineries in the area that were not severely impacted by the fires. These wineries are eager for tourists to flood back into their tasting rooms. They are hoping you will go online and purchase bottles of their wine. Charity is great and necessary, but the long-term recovery of the region is dependent on you drinking, visiting, enjoying, and telling everyone you know how great Northern California's wine country is!
We are in contact with many people in wine country. They are telling us it is perfectly safe to visit. The air quality can fluctuate due to the wind, but that shouldn't be a major concern. For the most part, skies a clear and sunny.
We spoke to Jamie at the Priority Wine Pass about what it's like in the tasting rooms now. She had this to say, "The wineries have fewer visitors now, so they are really excited when people come in. You can get right into wineries that typically are booked four to seven weeks out. In some cases, the owners are out and about. They are offering unique experiences like private tours for visitors!"
Other Great Reasons To Visit Now
Wineries were already moving into the slower season. This is the time after harvest and before things pick up around the holidays. That means hotels were already discounting some rooms. This is an added incentive for you to visit!
Many Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino residents work in the wine industry or hospitality linked to it. This is a tough time for those that lost their homes and tourists are how they make a living. Visiting and spending money there is a great way to support them.
Some Ideas To Get You Excited About Visiting
We know most of you have no problem getting excited about a visit to wine country, but here are some links anyway. We don't want the Napa fires to stop anyone!
The 10 Best Napa Wineries for Visitors
The top Napa wineries for insiders
Top wine country tour providers
11 great wine tasting experiences in Sonoma
The top wineries to visit in Mendocino
The 12 Best Napa Hotels and Resorts
A list of wineries that are open, closed or about to re-open
Conclusion
If you love wine country and want to see it bounce back, get out there and drink. Can't make it to wine country? Go buy a few nice bottles of Sonoma, Napa or Mendocino wine! We are all saddened by the scenes of the Sonoma, Mendocino, and Napa fires, but the best response is to get out there and enjoy wine country.
Drink Wine | Save Money
MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE CODE CWA15 TO RECEIVE OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON THE PRIORITY WINE PASS.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of the Wine Pass!
The best way to save on Napa wineries, hotels and transportation. Get free assistance with planning your visit from Napa insiders!
