Last week was a hard week. A terrible week really. It’s truly heartbreaking to see the fires unfold in the North Bay. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
And it continues. They are not expecting containment until at least this Friday.
Many people have lost their lives. Thousands of people have lost their homes and the California wine industry has been hit hard. Vintners, who pour their hearts and souls into their wineries, are losing vineyards and property. It’s incomprehensible.
With all the information out there, it is hard to determine what is real and what is not. Via our Makers and “on the ground” contacts, this is what we have determined to be true:
- The 2017 vintage is NOT destroyed. I repeat NOT destroyed. More than 90% of grapes had already been harvested and are in tank fermenting. So when buying those amazing 2017 Napa Cabs, Sonoma Pinots and Mendicino Chards, know that it will be a quality vintage, despite the fires.
- Do not donate food or clothing/items to fire victims. What is needed is cash. Here are a couple of great ways to donate:
- Once the fires are out, how can we help? Tom Wark wrote a great blog about what the industry can do: https://fermentationwineblog.com/2017/10/happens-napa-fires/. Restaurants, Bars and Retailers can help by continuing to buy and resell wines from the affected areas. Even more so now. Consumers should continue to purchase wines from the areas, seeking them out and sharing. Many of the wineries are family-owned and need all the support they can get. And of course, do not delay or postpone wine country visits. They will be open for business. Hospitality accounts for much revenue. So take a vacation in Wine Country to show your support.
We send everyone in wine country our best wishes. We know you are a tough, tight-knit group. We wish you safety and a quick recovery. We are here to support you every step of the way.
-The LibDib Team