SACRAMENTO, CA [October 27, 2017] -- Despite the television images of fires raging across swaths of California’s wine country and the reports of catastrophic damage, the vast majority of the region’s wine and tourism industry escaped unscathed. But they’re suffering now that the smoke has cleared.
“Many boutique hotels and bed and breakfast inns in the region are receiving cancellations because travelers don’t realize that they are open for business,” said Jenn Iliff, Program Manager for the California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns (CABBI).
Of the 46 CABBI-member inns in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, none were damaged by the fires and all but one are open for business. The one inn that remains closed—Kenwood Inn & Spa—expects to re-open shortly.
The Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Napa has been hosting guests and PG&E workers without interruption since fires began just over two weeks ago. Owner Jim Beazley said the City of Napa was never evacuated; nor did anyone in the city lose phones, power or services.
Beazley and his wife Carol toured Napa Valley from Napa to Calistoga this week along the two the major wine tasting routes: Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. Though some fire damage is visible along Silverado Trail, Beazley said that none of the most famous wineries along Highway 29 were damaged. “Of the 450-plus wineries in Napa Valley, only seven wineries were severely damaged or lost,” said Beazley. “Over 99% of Napa’s wineries remain open.”
It’s a similar story in Sonoma County, where Farmhouse Inn owner Joe Bartolomei said that of the hundreds of wineries in the region, only a handful were damaged or destroyed.
Bartolomei has been fielding reservation calls from guests who wanted to cancel because they thought the inn had burned down or wanted to postpone because they were uncomfortable visiting while the region is recovering. Bartolomei tells them, “The best thing you can do right now is come and support the tourism businesses.”
CABBI has set up quick links on its website for visitors to search for inns in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
On the night of Sunday, October 8, Northern California Wine Country was hit with a dangerous “perfect storm” of atmospheric conditions combining: warm temperatures, extremely low humidity, bone-dry fields and forests, and very strong winds. Beginning at 9:52 pm, 17 wildfires sprung up throughout the wine country counties of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties. These were considered wildland urban interface fires, meaning forest fires within close proximity to human habitation and businesses. And these fires were big and fast-moving, among the worst in California’s history. The result was a tragic toll on some communities, notably in Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. Some people lost their lives, many were evacuated, and some people are still displaced.
Yet it could have been much worse. Firefighters mobilized quickly, and crews from around California and beyond poured in to battle the Atlas, Nuns, Tubbs, and Redwood Valley fires among others. As heavy smoke shrouded much of Wine Country, teams of first responders made headway against the blazes and of this writing, almost all of these fires have been extinguished. Volunteers helped out, and nearby unaffected communities rallied to assist. Happily, the smoke has long since blown away as Wine Country gets back to business. Most wineries, restaurants, hotels, and related businesses are back open and undamaged. Another fortunate development was that when the fires hit, about 90% of the grapes in Wine Country had already been harvested. And it turned out that the healthy vineyards proved to be a very effective firebreak.
Dr. Anita Oberholster is Cooperative Extension Specialist in Enology, University of California, Davis. This university offers America’s premier Enology and Viticulture program. She said, “Although any loss is heartbreaking, we currently have confirmed reports of 15 wineries that were totally destroyed or severely damaged by the fires. This is a very small percentage, and we urge potential visitors to continue their planned visits and support the grape and wine industry in Northern California.” Approximately 1,200 of California’s 4,600 wineries are situated in Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma counties.
“Aside from heavy smoke the first few days, there was no damage to us or our employees’ property in the Napa area. We had many cancellations of visits these first two weeks,” said Delia Viader, President of Viader Vineyards & Winery.
Shelley Post is the President of Four Sisters Inns, a group of premier inns primarily located in Northern California. Two of their properties remain closed, but the others are fully open for business. “We had an interesting mix of people staying at our properties including some good regular guests, people displaced by the fires, and first responders from all over,” said Post. “Our hearts reach out to all of those people affected.”
Like some other hotel properties, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn was able to help to feed displaced locals and first responders. They also opened their locker rooms to anyone who needed hot showers. The luxury hotel sustained no damage and has fully reopened to the public.
“There’s no physical damage to our properties, but our psyche has been disrupted! We’ve experienced tremendous anxiety, sadness, and stress caused by the loss of lives, the length and uncertainty of the wildfires, and their destruction, said Amelia Ceja, President and Founder of Ceja Vineyards. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the brave firefighters, first responders, and community members for their tireless efforts.”
Violet Grgich, Vine President, Grgich Hills Estate, said: “Most important, all of our employees and their families are safe. Sadly, we had three employees lose their homes due to the fires, but we did not lose any buildings or vineyards.”
Smoke Taint?
Another potential post fire issue is that of “smoke taint” that may occur in the 2017 grape vintage. There is no absolute consensus, but most suggest that this will not be a factor considering that most grapes were already harvested, and smoke did not last for an extended period of time. In fact, 2017 was looking like an outstanding year for the grapes.
Ehlers Estate in the Northern Napa Valley town of St. Helena was untouched by the fires. “The fragrance of the fermenting grapes is now far stronger than the smell of smoke,” said Winemaker Kevin Morrisey. “We’ll get through this, as we always do. We’re farmers after all.”
Remi Cohen, Vice President and GM of Cliff Lede Family Wines in Yountville, said: “Thankfully, most wineries in Napa and Sonoma were nearing the completion of harvest by the time the wildfires started. At Cliff Lede Vineyards, only 3% of our fruit remained on the vines when the fires began.” The Owner, Cliff Lede, is originally from Edmonton.
Dr. Oberholster from UC Davis stated: “At low levels, smoke adds complexity to the wine. It is only at very high levels that it will be seen as a fault or taint and can decrease the quality of the wine. We do not expect a significant economic impact on Northern California’s wine regions due to the fact that only a small percentage of wines may be affected by the fires and smoke.”
David Duncan, President & CEO, of Silver Oak Winery, said: “Other than the tasting rooms being closed for a week, we had little direct impact from the fires. All of our fruit was picked, and the wines in the winery will be totally unaffected.”
Megghen Driscol, Communications Director, Terlato Wine Group, told me: “The vast majority of our fruit was picked prior to the fire; in fact, we were night harvesting Chimney Rock’s estate fruit the night the fire broke out! A few of our smaller vineyard blocks still had fruit on the vine after the fire, and because of road closures, we had to halt harvesting for a few days. Once we were allowed back in, we elected to continue picking. We are taking a very methodical approach to these lots and are not rushing to judgement.”
Violet Grgich said: “We’ve sent samples of the fermenting wines to ETS lab in St. Helena, and we have no discernable sign of smoke taint. We’ll keep a close eye on the wines, of course. Overall, we think this will be a very good vintage!”
Many people across the world have asked how they can help. Most in Wine Country simply say: “Come back – California Wine Country is alive and well. Patronize the restaurants, inns, and wineries. Purchase California wines at home.” This will undoubtedly help local families and businesses to slowly recover. Additionally, many wineries in Napa Valley are donating tasting room fees as well as hosting fundraisers for fire relief. For those who wish to donate recovery and relief efforts, the Napa Valley Vintners recommends the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund.
“Visiting will help Sonoma County’s hospitality community get back to work,” said Tim Zahner, interim CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. “Fans of the area are urged to continue to support Sonoma County wineries, breweries, cheese makers, farmers, and local artisans. Purchases of items that were bottled in, made in, grown in, brewed in, or otherwise came from Sonoma County help local families recover economically.”
“We encourage our neighbors and guests from across the country to visit us to enjoy our delicious wines and legendary hospitality and please also support our wine country community in the Napa and Sonoma Counties,” said Amelia Ceja.
Most hotels and Inns are fully open, but visitors should check in with Airbnb before flying out. Restaurants and wineries are virtually all open, and in fact, now less crowded than usual. The small Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport has also reopened.
Soda Rock Winery’s Sales Director Isabelle Adams said: “Our doors are open, and we look forward to welcoming our customers once again. My new mantra: rebuilding Sonoma one case at a time.”
In this photo taken Tuesday, May 31, 2016, Emma Swain, CEO of St. Supery Vineyards and Winery poses... Read more
NAPA, Calif. (AP) — You love your dog. You love wine. Lucky for you and Fido there are a number of Napa Valley wineries where you don't have to choose between the two.
Here's a sampling of wineries that welcome humans and their (well-behaved, leashed) best friends.
—HALL St. Helena welcomes dogs year-round and in the fall they take the wine-canine connection a step farther with Harvest Hounds, a tasting with proceeds going to Napa Humane. Reservations not required for a tasting but are required for tours plus tastings.
—Honig Vineyard & Winery in Rutherford has three resident dogs and welcomes other, well-behaved, canines as visitors. In fact, the bestselling book in the tasting room is about winery dogs. Treats and water for all four-legged friends are provided. Tastings by appointment only.
—Raymond Vineyards. Dogs aren't just welcome at this St. Helena winery, they're feted. There's a dog "winery" dedicated to owner Jean-Charles Boisset's beloved French bulldog, named, aptly enough, Frenchie. People go inside and taste; dogs relax in outdoor shaded dog beds in the dog winery which has barrel furniture, canine portraits and a camera connected to a TV in the tasting room so owners can keep an eye on them. Water is served in burgundy-colored bowls, so it looks like wine, and the dog winery even has its own website, http://www.frenchiewinery.com. No appointments necessary but reservations are recommended and required for some of the more in-depth visitor experiences.
—V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena allows dogs on leash in the tasting rooms and picnic grounds. The winery also hosts an annual "Pamper your Pooch" day in May where dogs get free treats and their humans are encouraged to post pictures of the visit. No appointment or reservation necessary unless you have a group of 15 or more.
—St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery in Rutherford has treats for your dog, and the winery's outdoor patio is a great place to kick back with your favorite canine. Who knows? You may well meet "GG," winery top dog and resident CCO (Chief Cuddle Officer). Reservations not required but are recommended.
—Odette Estate allows leashed dogs in outdoor tasting areas. The estate features an open patio with cushioned benches and a fire pit. By appointment only. Odette Estate's sister wineries, CADE on Howell Mountain and PlumpJack in Napa, also allow leashed dogs in their outdoor tasting areas.
—Trefethen Family Vineyards had to temporarily deny access to guests of the four-legged variety after damage from the 2014 earthquake forced the tasting room into temporary quarters. But the popular Rutherford winery recently welcomed dogs back with the opening of "Villa Trefethen," once home to vineyard founders Katie and Gene Trefethen, now hosting tastings in the salon, sunroom and on the deck. Reservations are required to visit the villa, but if it's midweek you can usually get in on the same day.
First New Luxury Boutique Hotel and Spa in Seven Years to Debut at Historical Site in St. Helena
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley will open for previews September 2016 in the charming and sophisticated community of St. Helena, next to the stunning Beringer Vineyards and Estate. The hotel’s spacious guest rooms, spa and wellness center, on-site restaurant and event barn will appeal to local residents, leisure travelers, corporate retreats, couples seeking a romantic escape, and those in search of a unique venue for an intimate private event. Each aspect of the hotel is inspired by the beauty and authenticity of the region with subtle nods to the Las Alcobas brand’s Latin American heritage.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Northern California with the upcoming opening of Las Alcobas in Napa Valley,” said Hoyt H. Harper II, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “As we continue to grow our portfolio in North America’s most coveted destinations, Las Alcobas spectacular location, unparalleled design, and impeccable service reinforces our role as the destination authority.”
“We want to create a lasting impression for our guests and pamper them as if we welcomed them in our own home,” says Samuel Leizorek, Co-Developer and Founder of Las Alcobas Hotel Group. “Our specialized experiences, unique amenities, and approachable service will only enhance what is already a spectacular destination. We’re proud that the breathtaking views from our guestrooms are unrivaled in Napa Valley and are eager for guests to experience them firsthand.”
The hotel’s 68 guestrooms and suites, all with fireplace-adorned outdoor terraces, overlook the tranquil neighboring vineyards or winery, including 10 rooms featuring outdoor soaking tubs situated on private balconies. Gracious interiors designed by award-winning international design firm Yabu Pushelberg are appointed with custom furniture, Rivolta Carmignani linens, and oversized spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs and showers. The light, airy guestrooms feature headboards upholstered in linen and flanked by custom bedside tables. Clean and modern finishes in natural tones, as well as the use of warm, organic materials like oak and woven jute, promote a fresh, relaxing feeling. Paying homage to the heritage of Las Alcobas, guestrooms will also feature a selection of handmade soaps and in-room amenities such as market bags crafted in Mexico City, where the brand’s award-winning flagship hotel resides.
“We have a very special relationship with Samuel, one that has evolved to become a truly valued friendship. His projects are a labor of love, more intimate in scale than most hotels, and we’ve worked to convey that personality and intimacy in every detail,” says Glenn Pushelberg, Co-Founder, Yabu Pushelberg. “Napa Valley is a very special place, and this was a tremendous opportunity to design for very personal experience with a unique hotel that will define the destination.”
The serenity of the surrounding landscape is emulated at the 3,500 square foot Atrio spa, a wellness center where treatments include ancient healing, artisanal handmade products, and an apothecary-style aromatherapy blending bar. This blending system is designed by a world-renowned clinical aromatherapist, teacher, author and herbologist and is offered as part of all massage experiences. The curated treatment menu consists of traditional massage and mind techniques from across the world, many dating back over 2,000 years. Signature treatments incorporate organic and locally sourced products and ingredients to highlight the best that Napa has to offer. Atrio offers Naturopathica, natural botanical skincare products inspired by nature and drawing from traditional healing practices.
The spa will feature four single treatment rooms, a co-ed steam room, a couple’s treatment suite with a private steam room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. The hotel’s corresponding fitness center will offer state-of-the-art equipment, Beringer estate views, and a dedicated studio for yoga, breath-work and meditation classes. The cabana-lined outdoor pool will also serve as a place for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation throughout their stay.
“We’re confident that Las Alcobas will quickly be considered one of Napa Valley’s leading luxury hotels, and stand out as one of the most romantic hotels in the United States,” says Guneet Bajwa, Managing Principal of Presidio Companies, the hotel’s Co-Developer. “This tranquil haven is the perfect place for couples to cozy up with a glass of world-class wine on their private balcony while gazing out at the exquisite setting.”
The resort’s signature restaurant, Acacia House, will be led by celebrated chef Chris Cosentino together with business partner Oliver Wharton of San Francisco's acclaimed Cockscomb restaurant. Set in a historic property dating back to 1907, Acacia House – the building's original name – reflects the rustic and bustling atmosphere of the former inn, updated with modern elements to showcase Cosentino's renowned combination of bold and balanced flavors. The menu at Acacia House captures the prevailing seasonal sensibility of California's wine country with a selection of small and larger plates designed to complement a diverse Napa Valley wine list celebrating both established and emerging brands. Cosentino and Wharton will oversee the food and beverage components at Las Alcobas including an on-site artisan bread program; breakfast, pool, lounge and room service; banquets and catering; as well as picnic baskets and musette bags for cyclists. Service elements, executed by the pedigreed hotelier team from Las Alcobas, will be characterized by a warm, intuitive approach for a reimagined and holistic Napa Valley dining experience.
Vaulted wooden ceilings and sliding barn doors provide an airy sense of space in the 2,200 square foot event barn, available for private events for up to 100 people. The venue is equipped with an interactive demonstration kitchen and built-in AV, and is dividable by two full-size soundproof walls. Outside, a smaller event lawn can be reserved for intimate wedding ceremonies and events, and on the Acacia House Verandah, small groups can enjoy a unique private outdoor dining space.
“We’d like our guests to enjoy their own authentic Napa Valley experience during their stay, whether dining aside locals at our restaurant, slowing down at the spa, at a private tasting with one of our vintner friends, or taking in the vineyard views from the comfort of their own room,” says David Shipman, General Manager.
Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley is located at 1915 Main Street in St. Helena, CA, and is currently offering special opening rates starting at $695 for fall and beyond. For more information, please visit www.lasalcobasnapavalley.com.
About Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley
Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley is a luxury boutique hotel located amidst vineyards in the St. Helena community of Napa Valley, California. Set to debut in fall 2016, the hotel will feature 68 luxuriously-appointed guest rooms and suites offering terraces and outdoor fireplaces, a signature restaurant by acclaimed Chef Chris Cosentino, a 3,500 square foot spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, meeting and event facilities and all of the brand’s signature amenities and services. This will be the second property for the Las Alcobas brand following the award-winning flagship hotel located in Mexico City. For more information and updates, visit www.lasalcobasnapavalley.com.
About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® brand is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble, recently surpassing 100 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information and new openings, visittheluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, Alcion Ventures, and Bald Mountain Development today announced plans for a new luxury resort in Napa Valley. Slated to open in early 2018, the resort will feature 85 guest rooms and 20 Private Residence villas.
Located in Calistoga, among the valleys, mountains and vineyards of northern Napa Valley, the resort will feature its own fully operational winery and hand-farmed vineyard, offering an unprecedented grape-to-glass experience to resort guests and owners. A limited collection of wines will be produced on-site at the winery under the direction of acclaimed winemaker Thomas Brown.
Commenting on the project, J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts said, “As we extend our presence in California, having a property in Napa Valley, a preferred destination for our luxury guests, is essential. This is a unique opportunity to combine a privately-owned and operated winery and vineyard with a world-class luxury resort. We look forward to working with Alcion and Bald Mountain to bring Four Seasonslegendary quality and service to Napa Valley.”
Speaking of the development, Martin Zieff, Managing Partner at Alcion Ventures, owner and developer of the resort in partnership with Bald Mountain Development, said, “We set out almost a decade ago to find this kind of opportunity in Napa Valley. Reaching this point is the result of the hard work and passion that Four Seasons and many individuals bring to the partnership.”
“This is Bald Mountain’s third project with Alcion, and our first with them in Wine Country,” said Kelly Foster, principal at Bald Mountain. “Together with Four Seasons, all partners share a complementary vision that will bring true luxury to Napa Valley and create the finest grape-to-glass five-star resort.”
The project will feature one and two story residence villas managed by Four Seasons. Each will include multiple master suites, an owner’s wine cellar, as well as luxuriously appointed indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment spaces. Owners will enjoy access to the full range of amenities the resort has to offer such as three unique food and beverage offerings, multiple pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, as well as a world-class spa featuring the natural geothermal waters unique to the Calistoga region. Blending indoor and outdoor living, the resort will also feature an event barn and 12 indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces. For more information, clickhere.
About Alcion Ventures
Alcion Ventures is a Boston-based real estate private equity firm that seeks to create value through the acquisition, repositioning, redevelopment or development of real estate assets and by forming strategic relationships with experienced operating partners. The Napa Valley project is Alcion’s third Four Seasons branded project. Alcion recently closed its third fund with more than USD 542 million of equity commitments from a diversified investor base, including major United States and Canadian pension funds, endowments, foundations and family offices.
About Bald Mountain Development
Bald Mountain Development is a boutique resort development firm based in Aspen, Colorado and Napa Valley, California, whose principals, David Parker and Kelly Foster, have developed luxury resort properties throughout the US and Mexico.
www.cabbi.com/region/Napa-Valley
