Review: Visiting California Wine Country After the Fires
At the end of September I was out in Sonoma with family friends, and barely a week later I was following the news of the fires with great sadness. Our Airbnb was just two blocks away from the evacuation zone in Santa Rosa.
A return trip to Healdsburg for a holiday event at Ferrari Carrano was already planned for this past weekend so I was both excited and somewhat anxious about returning. Was it even right to take up a hotel room if there were others who’d lost their homes that might need the space?
Seeing that hotel prices were no more expensive than usual (which is expensive), suggesting an equal supply to demand, and up until the last minute the hotel wasn’t even sold out, I felt better. Later I learned the local community is looking out for each other when it comes to housing, so you shouldn’t worry about booking available rooms.
Driving in we weren’t sure what to expect, from news reports I was prepared for miles of charred fields and barren landscapes. And those places probably do exist. But it was the residents, not the wineries, hotels, and restaurants that were hardest hit.
We did hit a patch on the 101 where the acrid smell of smoke crept in through the A/C and we could see where the Hilton Santa Rosa and Fountaingrove Inn once were, but otherwise it was business as usual. The drive up Dry Creek Road through Healdsburg was just as scenic as ever, the vineyards full of bright autumnal colors.
Driving though Sonoma and southern Napa you’ll see charred hills next to flourishing vineyards. Not a scene of desolation. Most of the places you’re likely to visit are still the same beautiful destinations you’d expect.
Chatting with winery and restaurant staff, the fires did affect them, but for most its the decreased tourism that is having a bigger impact. The best thing you can do to help with rebuilding is not to cancel your trip! If you were already planning to come out, don’t postpone. You’ll still have a lovely time and you’ll be showing #SonomaStrong and #NapaStrong support when they need it the most. 
Thank you for this post – I’ll be in California in January for a family event and had booked a room at the Hyatt Santa Rosa – Was a little concerned – Looks like I shouldn’t be and they need the tourists.
Thanks for the awesome support of California’s wine country. Visiting is indeed the best way to help. Next time you’re out in the Dry Creek area, stop by a fabulous new winery across the street from Ferrari Carrano called Cast Winery. The winemaker was formerly with Jordan, and the wines are delicious and the tasting room staff are warm and will welcome you with a glass of sparkling! The views are amazing, and the owners are usually on property so it’s always interesting. Enjoy!
Thank you for the recommendation! Will definitely check it out next I’m out there.
Thanks so much for this post. We live in Florida and are planning a trip to the Keys for early next year to support the locals after the hurricane. It’s important for tourists to know that they are the lifeblood of these economies and not to be afraid to visit after a natural disaster hits the area.