Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.
From this article (http://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/amp/Wineries-reel-in-the-wake-of-North-Bay-fires-12263825.php) I don’t know how I feel about this
In Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley, a night pick was already in progress at Carlisle Winery when evacuation orders came through. The workers harvested grapes in smoke until around 5 a.m. “They got it mostly picked, and then had to evacuate,” said Carlisle owner Mike Officer.
Take a look at one of the websites (listed earlier in this thread). I’d assume any winery/restaurant in or near an affected fire area will likely be closed, and any outside of this area will be open. Esp now, folks need money to keep flowing, so anyplace that can be open will be. But I’d expect that you won’t really know until you get here. If you want to inquire, wait until after things have ‘settled down’ and send an email inquiry rather than phoning…probably will get a better/quicker response that way. And maybe have a backup plan of a day in SF or on the coast or other. From Healdsburg, a drive up through Anderson Valley and to the coast and back is a great and not stressful day trip. That’s what I’d think about in your situation. Hope it’s a great trip!
Many blocks of a neighborhood known as Coffey Park are devastated. That area is just west of Punchdown (and Bottle Barn), which people who have visited the area may know. I haven’t heard about Punchdown, but the Hilton and Fountaingrove hotels, just on the other side of 101, burned, so I assume there are areas of fire damage all along Hopper to the west.
I have a friend in Healdsburg and her family from other spots around the area are all evacuated to her place … but they are not yet sure the fires will not spread again and force them to go somewhere else. I can’t imagine things being in shape for visitors by Thursday - people are going to be scrambling to recover.
I can’t begin to find words that would in any way be adequate about my feelings for those going through this.
Just awful.
Please know we are hoping and praying for the best.
I’ve been told Punchdown is ok.
Yes, the NW has been hit hard by fires all summer. Seattle and Portland have both had days of hazy, smoke_filled air. Like being in Beijing. Due to wildfires in BC, central WA, and OR.
Pictures here are devastating:
From Adam Lee via Facebook:
Walked into Siduri Winery. Amazingly it’s fine. No power. But it’s fine. I’ve never in my life seen anything like the complete devastation I walked through to get there.
Agreed. There is little chance any infrastructure will be established to support business-as-usual by Thursday. People are leaving the area, not coming to it. Power is out. Cell service is out. WiFi is out. Schools have burned down. Hospitals have been evacuated. Not to be overly dramatic, but it’s a live war zone right now, the fires aren’t even out yet and this is the heart of fire season around here.
Damn I can’t imagine the kinds of wine Maureen lost. Hope she had offsite storage.
Sarah StierchVerified account
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Staff confirm that @CliffLedeWine’s famed Poetry Vineyard and Poetry Inn have been destroyed. #napafire
Oh my goodness…many great memories from there. A beautiful place. I hope they rebuild as beautiful as before. Sending much love.
Before I take a bit of a nap, I wanted to thank everyone for their concern. It means more than you can imagine.
I have been assured that the city of Calistoga is not under evacuation. I am outside city limits, but only by a half mile or so.
The smoke has moved in, not that I can smell it, but it is visible across Diamond Mountain. Probably because it is still out there - the extreme winds carried it all away from here earlier. Now it is still, with only the sound of helicopters bringing in retardant or water? across the way. Close friends who rent out houses in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa have discovered that their tenants evacuated.
The story is still unfolding. The crazy thing is that there is fire all around me…now it is Poetry Inn destroyed? That is 20 minutes from here.
Now, as I have typed this, some wind is picking up and I smell smoke very strongly. Maybe no nap.
Added to just now: it smells like my entire house is on fire. No windows open. Smoke has enveloped Diamond Mountain and my place in general. Cell service is out. This is not good.
Merrill,
It might not be a bad idea for you and the cats to go someplace else. It is best to be cautious in this situation.
Stay safe…
The smoke damage alone… just insane to read about.
Stay safe, Merrill! Thoughts and prayers going your way.
Thanks,
Ed
The fire at highway 37 and Lakeville rd is contained to the east side of Lakeville Road.
Replying to @Sarah_Stierch @CliffLedeWine
Remi Cohen, GM of @CliffLedeWine, tells me no damage yet.
I am sure it is very hectic and i am sorry to spread news…thought it had been verified by some. I will report more if i find out
Merrill, you and Brian have me worried. Prayers and good vibes your way. Be safe!