August 26, 2014 – Earthquake Aftermath Math

After a 6.0+ earthquake shook the greater Napa Valley early Sunday, the city of Napa was not ready to accommodate visitors.  The power was knocked out, some water mains had broken, and each aftershock threatened to knock loose more masonry work from the many brick buildings.  Not that Napa has recovered 100% from the quake, but it has done much of the cleanup and closed off the dangerous parts around the heavily damaged buildings.  To that end, the small businesses that depend on the tourist trade for their survival are in need of you to return.  If you were planning a trip to Napa Valley to visit any of the wineries, you should continue with your plans.  Call ahead to confirm each winery’s state of business, but few wineries in the areas from Yountville and northward were impacted beyond having to clean up broken stemware and the occasional lost bottle of wine in the tasting room.  Wineries in the Stag’s Leap, Oak Knoll, and eastern Carneros districts were more severely impacted, so be sure to call in advance of any visits to those areas.  Also, expect some traffic delays heading south on Highway 29 leaving the city of Napa for the next few days as bridge repairs are conducted.  Otherwise, enjoy this spectacular summer weather in Napa Valley.

Napa Valley wine regions impacted by the earthquake