One month after the fires hit Northern California, Sonoma County’s hospitality businesses are returning to what they do best — providing guests with a world-class welcome and unforgettable experiences. Of Sonoma County’s 1 million acres, the recent fires damaged only 10 percent. The 2017 winegrape harvest was 90 percent complete at the onset of the fires — the grapes are crushed and the wine is in the tanks.
Only one winery in Sonoma County was burned, Paradise Ridge, but its popular sculpture garden and vineyards are still standing. The owners stated on their website, “We are resilient and we will rebuild.” The Paradise Ridge tasting room in Kenwood remains open for business.
“This is a great time to visit,” said Claudia Vecchio, president/CEO of Sonoma County Tourism. “The weather is good, there is a full slate of events, and the hospitality is unmatched. Visiting now helps support local businesses and families.”
Businesses are enticing visitors with special offers, including inns, resorts, wineries, restaurants, and other attractions. Visit www.sonomacounty.com/deals for more information. There are a number of events that are raising funds for the recovery effort. Visit bit.ly/sc-fundraisers for more information.
One of the premier events is The Grateful Table. Visit California, in partnership with Outstanding in the Field, join chef Tyler Florence and friends for a long-table feast to support California Wine Country. All proceeds will benefit wildfire recovery efforts. The event will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, along the Napa-Sonoma county line. For more information, visit www.visitcalifornia.com/
