Napa Valley Coronavirus Info: Planning a Trip to Napa 2020, Wineries to Close per Gov Newsom
Local Wally
Napa Valley
June 25 2020 UPDATE: NAPA IS OPEN BUT WITH MANY CHANGES
Big News - As of June 6, 2020, Napa has been given the green light to reopen. However, that’s not to say that you and your buddies should jump in the car this weekend and willy-nilly hit the wineries. Many of the wineries are not set to reopen until sometime next week and when they do there will be these new rules in place:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Assume you will need reservations at every stop. NO MORE WALK-IN’S. If you need help I have started a new service where I make the reservations for you for $40, Email me for more info.
GROUP SIZE LIMITS: Depending on the winery, assume that group sizes will be limited. Many are saying they cannot accept groups over 4 or 6.
MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING: You know the drill by now. Napa wineries are not a free for all, things are not “back to normal”, but you can still have fun. Just respect the rules and keep everyone safe.
WHAT ABOUT DEALS?
Some wineries are raising their tasting fees as they have moved from bar tastings to seated tastings. However, my spot check of wineries shows that they will still be accepting the two for one PRIORITY WINE PASS. This is good news as the pass is still only $39.99 per couple (get it here https://prioritywinepass.com/exclusive-local-wally-discount/ref/2/?coupon-code=localwally ). Some quick math - you save $35 at Sterling, $40 at Krug, $45 at Grgich Hills. Yes, it pays for itself and with the new higher tasting fees it’s more valuable than ever if you don’t want to go broke.
ALSO - BUY WINE! Wineries have been deeply hurt by Covid-19 so buy wine, as much as you can! It’s a solid win-win. You get great wine, the wineries get some revenue, I see no downside here.
IS IT SAFE?
While deciding when to leave your home cocoon is a personal decision, everyone in Napa, whether a hotel, restaurant or winery, is well aware of the need to provide a safe environment. Still, I would still take precautions and wear a mask as the crowds are expected to be much larger than normal with people anxious to get out.
DO I NEED A DRIVER?
I would also strongly recommend you avoid Uber or shuttles and hire a personal driver. I am working with a small number of drivers who are very focused on keeping everyone safe and their vehicles spic and span and infection free. If you want a referral email me.
More to come - The articles below will be updated later this weekend.
Wally
LINKS TO MOST RECENT UPDATES ON NAPA AND CONVID-19
NAPA COUNTY OFFICIAL CORONAVIRUS WEBSITE: For the most up to date info on traveling to Napa.
CITY OF NAPA CORONAVIRUS OFFICIAL UPDATES: Stay current on the official City of Napa site.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND TIPS
Is BottleRock Cancelled?
BottleRock has been postponed until Oct 2-4. Here is the official article.
Should I Cancel My Trip To Napa Valley?
No! Napa is reopened as of June 6th, 2020.
Will I Need Reservations?
Yes, now more than ever you cannot kick back and decide where to go or where to eat. You need to commit, you need to make the call, you need to lock it in! Remember, I can help you pick wineries off the Priority Wine Pass as well as tell you which full priced wineries I think are “worth it” so just ask if you need help.
I’m Planning a Bachelorette Party or Corporate Event in Napa Later this Year - Should I Cancel?
No - but note that most wineries are limiting group sizes to 6 or less. But there are ways around this, such as hosting the event at a winery that can break up your large group into smaller groups. For this you need connections and you know me so there you go. Reach out to me if you have a group event as I can connect you with wineries who can possibly still host you as well as transportation companies. And I don’t charge, just happy to help.