Should You Cancel Your Trip to Napa Due to Omicron and Covid? Spring 2022 Update!
Local Wally
Is it Safe to Visit Napa During Spring 2022 Due to Covid and the Omicron Surge?
Hey, I totally get it. You spent a good chunk of the last two years of your life staring into the bottom of a wine glass and finally booked that trip to Napa. But now with Delta surging is it safe to visit Napa? Should you cancel your trip or group event? Can you visit Napa during Covid times safely, and will it even be a good time?
Let me answer your questions. Yes, it’s safe to visit Napa. No, you should not cancel your trip. And Yes, wine tasting in Napa is still a good time, even during these strange times. That is, if you follow my advice.
First, know that Napa is following the current guidelines and recommendations which means masks are not required indoors. Wait, does that freak you out? What about all the new surges in Europe coming soon? If you want to play it super safe just skip the giant tasting rooms and hit up the small guys where you get a one on one wine tasting experience.
Wait a second Wally, a private tasting sounds intimidating, a bit like eating sushi in front of Jiro.
Don’t be ridiculous! I would never send you to a stuffy winery where you feel like you need to swill your glass only to have it splash onto your shirt. Wine tasting should be fun and I keep to that motto even for private tastings. Play some bocce ball, walk through the redwoods, do a private tour, all in a relaxed and friendly setting where it matters not that you know little about wine other than you like it. I can help guide you to my favorites, but basically avoid inside tastings at the giant, big name, mega wineries and hit up the smaller ones off the main drag. If you do decide to hit the big names then just make sure they have tasting experiences that keep you away from the crowds, like the new Beringer experience where they pour you a glass of wine and you can socially distance tour the winery on your own.
Is it Safe to Have a Bachlorette Party or Big Group Event in Napa During the Omicron Mutation Surge, 2022?
Thinking you need to cancel your big bachlorette party. Don’t! I mean, really, what can you do that’s safer than drinking wine outside at a winery? I’ve done a ton of bachlorette parties and group events and I’ve learned that the best setting for these, even in non-Covid times, is at a winery that gives you lots of space away from the rest of the crowds so you can have a good time without worrying about bothering people. So if you want a winery where you can spread out and have fun and back burner any thoughts of Covid I can help.
The wineries I recommend will give you your own space, some will even close down a section of the winery just for you. Heck, some of the smaller wineries I work with will close down the entire winery just for you! I work with one winery that will just sell you cases of wine and put you off in the vineyards so there is virtually no threat of interacting with people outside of your group. And you want a private space, an estate at a winery where you can host a corporate event all to yourself? Yup, I can do that too.
Basically look, just reach out to me and let’s start the conversation. All of my advice is free and I’m happy to connect you to my wineries friends who are happy to host you. I’m happy, they’re happy, you’re happy, it’s truly a wonderful world I’m talking about here.
Let’s Summarize, Shall We?
Even with Covid still bouncing around in 2022, Napa is about as safe as you’re going to get. Look, you can’t go to Europe without risk of getting stuck there. You don’t want to chance Mexico where Covid could be surging but no one is going to tell you that. Compare that with Napa where the only thing you have to worry about is getting here. Once here, as long as you dine and wine outside, it’s as safe as having friends over to your backyard.
This is your open window to visit - Spring has always been the best time to visit Napa for me. The vines are just starting to bud out, the mustard blankets the hillsides like a painting, and the crowds are much thinner so spreading out is easier. Wait until Summer and if it’s like last year the crowds will surge faster than Omicron and wineries and restaurants will be packed.
Planning a group event is as simple as reaching out to me and requesting a Covid-Safe winery. I’ll connect you with wineries that will let you spread out away from the crowds. So whether you are coming with a small group of friends, planning a post wedding event, or looking for a giant corporate gathering, I can help. Yes, I can totally help.
And yes, if you are coming with a BIG GROUP of over 6 you really need to reach out to me as I can connect you with wineries that will take your group and treat you like VIPs - at a price that’s about the same as you would pay at a Beringer or Krug but with much better hospitality. No charge, just ask!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor so use your own judgement as well as the CDC guidelines while making your decisions regarding a trip to Napa. I am not advocating any irresponsible behaviors when it comes to health matters. Basically, I am not responsible for your actions even if based upon my articles.