Please note: this is the most current information I had available as of 12:00 noon on Tuesday March 17th. As the situation unfolds details are likely to change. Stay up to date by following the CDC and your state and local government guidelines.

There is a lot going on in the world today and as it stands currently there seems to be no end to the current coronavirus outbreak. While I see the wisdom and logic in cancelling March Madness, PGA Golf Tournaments, F1 Auto Racing, Major League Soccer, NBA, other large gatherings such as conferences, churches, and yes even schools, I feel like people are on the brink of mass hysteria. I mean, come on, how much toilet paper do you need? I would really like to know what people were thinking when it came to hoarding all the tp. But I digress. I am here today to talk about the state of the wine industry. I bring this up as California Governor Newsom has called for the volunteer closing of the state’s wineries, breweries, brewpubs, and bars. He also stated it’s okay for restaurants to stay open just with limited capacity. I have thoughts on this policy but we will get back to that. I wanted to address the coronavirus and if and how any effects are being felt by us in the wine industry and if and how this will affect the consumer. I have tried to provide current information that will most likely change within 24 hours, but that is just the reality in which we live. For me and for you, I am hoping you find these answers more helpful and hope you are drinking a nice glass of red wine while reading. We could all use it! Haha

Has the coronavirus directly affected the wine industry?

In short, yes. California’s popular wine regions, most closely watched and noted are Napa Valley and Sonoma, tourism business is already feeling the slow down. Hotel reservations are being cancelled, group and corporate events have been cancelled, and individual tourism has already slowed. Sonoma in particular is already seeing upwards of $50,000 lost per day. At this rate the damage will inflict more economic loss than the Kincade fires.

Losses continue to grow with the cancellation of the 43rd annual Wine Road Barrel event. This event sees revenues in the few millions which is now irreplaceable. Napa is not far behind. And now with restaurants choosing to temporarily shut down as well, we could see a huge dramatic toll on the economy. Not just for the state but for the entire country as well, estimates suggest Napa Valley contributes $34 billion to the nation’s economy.

I am not an economist and I won’t pretend to understand the delicate complexities that make up our giant economy, but I can start to see a recession and this is only one small aspect. Hospitality nationwide can expect a slow down and until it starts getting a bit warmer and the spread is contained, and unfortunately no one knows when. Until then hotels and tourism will be slow, if not outright banned. 

Can I still buy my favorite wine at the store?

At this current time the answer is yes but with some possible changes. Domestic wines are still on schedule and no huge problems are foreseen with the upcoming harvest. Last years 2019 whites and rosès should be hitting the shelves soon if not already. Some people have suggested a slow down in the source of labor but as long as this situation is contained before July, which please please let that be true, then harvest can go on as planned. Also assuming states or more wine counties do not put a straight out “stay in place shelter” (as they just did Monday in several counties around San Francisco)  wineries will remain open and production will keep to schedule. While TP is in a nationwide crisis (but not really it will be restocked), domestic wine for the foreseeable future will be available.

Now imported wine is a very different story. Wine, along with all imported cargo, is being held at port with extreme delay. The workers on these cargo ships are part of the delays, as traveling the world is part of their job they are being rigorously checked and screened at port. This cost is passed on to the importers who are, even more so then the wineries, feeling the direct economic effect of the virus, including the recently increased tariffs imposed on their goods by our federal government. It should be noted no evidence at all suggests that a bottle of wine might be carrying the virus from an infected country. So if you love that bottle of Chianti, keep loving that bottle of Chianti! Corona virus cannot survive in wine. However all that put aside you could very well see a price increase on that very same bottle. Again not an expert economist but I generally understand how these things work. My expert wine advice here, buy all the wine you want right now!

But can I go wine tasting?

Perhaps the most important question. At this very moment, that choice is up to you, but that door seems to be closing quickly. With San Francisco shutting down, Los Angeles country and San Diego county closing all bars, nightclubs, and restricting restaurants, wine tasting rooms fit into that category. So no wine tasting for us in the near future. As mentioned above Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement for all wineries, breweries, pubs, and bars to close down. While also saying restaurants are okay to stay open with limited capacity. While it might be in the best interest of the general public to shut down all businesses, directly targeting only a portion just doesn’t sit well with me. Now with local governments stepping in and providing more guidance I agree that these are the best precautions. At least restaurants can still do to-go orders! As a winemaker in San Diego County we are no longer hosting tastings but that doesn’t mean the winery will stop production. As far as I know most wineries in Temecula are open and will remain open until forced to close as well. These wineries are changing their tasting room policy, such as doing tastings by appointment and limiting the capacity of the tasting room to ensure a six feet space rule between parties. Honestly if I wasn’t pregnant, I’d might have considered booking a 4 day hotel stay right now and have a wonderful time wine tasting, but that is just not happening for me right now lol. And as it seems likely that more counties might be forced to close their tasting rooms  it’s best for myself and my family just to stay put.

How can I get my wine?

Now for the better news! How do you get your wine in times like these? What if your sick and cannot make it to the store? You have options!

Most wineries including Little Oaks are remaining open for wine club members to pick up and allow anyone to purchase wine to-go orders. Check with our local winery.

Are you feeling sick or taking care of a loved one? Get your wine delivered! I am seeing local wineries and breweries starting to set up delivery services, while this is real new it seems to be popping up all over. Check your fav local retailer or tasting room to see if they are offering delivery service. I love this idea! It keeps money local and helps hourly workers get paid. Can’t find a local shop doing delivery? No worries you still have options.

Try InstaCart. A grocery shopping service where you can get wine, beer, and spirits delivered right to your door! Another great thing about living with current technology. Too sick to go out, simply order all your essentials, include the wine, and have it dropped off within 2 hrs.  Stores like Bevmo and Total Wine offer delivery on all their goods too. Before you buy from the big guys though I suggest trying your local retailer first. My favorite wine and liqueur store also does delivery and is free over a certain amount. This is the time to stock up!

Still missing out on the going out? Hey, me too, but this is just how it is. And since March is looking to be a slow month with all sporting and event cancellations we need to find other ways to stay entertained at home.  Instead of going wine tasting why not have a wine tasting at the convenience and comfort of your own home. Need help planning a in home wine tasting? No problem, I got you! Sign up for my newsletter as my How to Guide for In-Home Wine Tasting to come out this week so you can have a date-night-in this weekend! 

All in all the current situation is changing daily and it is normal to expect restrictions and guidelines to become more strict before they loosen up. My recommendation is to stay inside as much as you can but if you need to get out to break your sanity go for it (unless you are obviously ill) and try and enjoy your time out. As this situation continues to develop we might be confined inside so make sure to enjoy your day, take a deep breath, slowly sip and love the wine you are with. Remember as crazy as it all is out there this is only temporary, find comfort in your loved ones and let us weather the storm with a glass of sometime strong and delicious in our hands!

Cheers and stay safe my friends.

For the most updated information from the CDC on staying safe and safety precautions see here.