As of day five after the 6.0 earthquake that struck the southern district of Napa Valley, damage estimates may top $4 billion, with 120 injuries, three critical, with more than 103 dwellings “red tagged” as un-livable. There have been 104 smaller earthquakes recorded to date since the big one during the early morning hours of Aug. 24.
In a sign of gritty resilience, the world famous Napa Valley Welcome sign stood its ground and didn’t crack or crumble. Six wineries out of the more than 500 in the valley, reported major damage with Trefethen Winery’s main building, a classic historical site built in 1886, near collapse.
Located in the Oak Knoll district, just north of the city of Napa which took the brunt of the damage, Loren Trefethen was quoted as saying, “we are one family, one estate and one passion. This is who we are. Nature has dealt us a blow, but we will come back.”
You may want to see a remarkable helicopter video on her site at www.trefethen.com. Silver Oak lost hundreds of bottles of a rare collection of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that were “literally priceless,” according to CEO David Duncan.
Over 3 million visitors a year flock to Napa Valley, one of the great visitor attractions in the country. It is not big. Just 4 percent of the wine produced in California comes from Napa Valleyand most wineries are family owned. This is an American “Camelot”…a paradise, shared by the chosen few, who provide visitors with the finest wine on the planet.
Before me are dozens of e mails from many wineries who escaped major damage like Lewis, Frank Family, Spring Mountain, Joseph Phelps, Michael Keenan, Tamber Bay, and the list goes on. Here’s the “one for all” part.
One by one, they express gratitude that they have been spared major damage. All are focusing on the less fortunate and helping in any way they can, especially to those that sustained injury and property damage.
The Napa Vintners Association has announced that it will be the lead donation of $10 million to create a Napa Valley Community Relief Fund “to meet the immediate needs of local residents and local businesses impacted by the disaster.”
Individuals may also donate to the fund to serve earthquake victims. Visit www.napavintners.com.
Wine Event of the Year Coming to Temecula
It’s CRUSH time in Temecula Wine Country starting Sept. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. This is the one and only event showcasing the more than 30 members of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, all in one location, at Wiens Family Cellars.
Enjoy a walk-around tasting of all-Temecula wines and culinary bites from winery and nearby restaurants. General admission $85. Or VIP admission at 6pm for a private premium tasting for $110. Meet the owners, chat with the winemakers.
Visit www.temeculawines.org for ticket information, or call (800) 801-9463.
Wine Bytes in Temecula
It’s California Wine Month in September. Celebrate with an event in Temecula.
The blessing of the wine, grape stomp and harvest festival are all happening at South Coast Winery Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. Dine on a chef’s special feast, live music and dancing and grape stomping. $55. Details at (951) 587-9463.
Keyways Winery kicks off a jazz concert series Sept. 20 with guitarist Paul Brown and saxman Michael Lington. Tickets are $45, and $75 for VIP perks. For information, call (951) 302-7888.
Over at Thornton Winery, Summer Horns Jazz concert returns Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Enjoy Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot. Ticket information at thorntonwine.com/champagne-jazz-series.
Monte De Oro Winery has its 2nd annual Grape Stomp Sept. 27. Live entertainment, BBQ dinner, games and more. Adults $34.95, children $14.95. Details at (951) 491-6551.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web.
View and link up with his columns at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at [email protected].
