Napa After the 2017 Wildfires - Still Good to Visit?
Local Wally
How is Napa Valley After the Big Fire of 2017?
You've been dreaming of a trip to Napa, you've been planning, you're ready to go - but then the Oct 2017 wildfires hit, the worst fire in the history of California, and you think - should you come or should you cancel? And I totally get it. Napa is romantic, Napa is lush with vegetation and vineyards, is it still good after the big fires?
And here's what I say - Yes, Napa is still GREAT after the fires. The media did a great job of covering the fire, perhaps too good of a job because I still get questions from readers wondering if there are any wineries left and if the area is too scorched to visit. The truth of the matter is that most visitors will not even notice that there was a fire unless they look up at the tops of the hillsides to see the burned trees. The hillsides are coming back green and ready for your snapchat.
But wally, didn't the wineries burn down?
No, only two wineries actually burned to the ground - Signorello and Patland Vineyards. The rest of the wineries were either not impacted or 100% back in business. But the wineries, especially the smaller, family run wineries, need your support. They lost months of income and revenue while the valley was recuperating and need visitors like you to come in. And while you're there buy some wine, ship home a few bottles, and know you're helping a small business stay afloat.
visit these wineries most impacted by the fire
PATLAND WINERY: One of only two wineries that actually burned to the ground, Patland is bouncing back with the Patland Cave Experience. Tasting and tours are only $40 per person and if you have the Priority Wine Pass they'll give you a two for one. This will be a true VIP sort of tasting experience and you'll feel good about helping one of the wineries that needs your help the most. If you don't have a Priority Wine Pass you can get it here - get just one per couple. Reservations required.
RELIC WINE CELLARS: You probably have never heard of Relic Wine Cellars because they are not open to the general public - you have to know somebody to be invited. But they were hit hard by the fires so working with myself and the Priority Wine Pass they are offering FREE tastings for two with a $300 purchase, or $40 per person without purchase if you just want the cave tasting experience. It's near Patland so do both. You can only get this offer with a Priority Wine Pass, buy it here - one per couple. Reservations required.
CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY: The fires came close but the winery was saved. They're offering FREE tastings to Priority Wine Pass members with only a 2 bottle red wine purchase. This is a great opportunity to taste some of Napa's best reds and saves you $100 on tasting fees. Like the other offers you must have the Priority Wine Pass so buy it here, one per couple. Reservations required.