Help California Wine Country Recover—by Visiting

A message from Visit California:

"We are incredibly grateful for the work of first responders who fought to save Wine Country, and we are relieved that firefighters have gained the upper hand. Now we need to do our part to help the recovery.

We can all help: Now is the time to visit Wine Country. If you’re already planning a trip, don’t cancel — Wine Country residents need your business now more than ever."

- Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California

Looking for ways to help California’s Wine Country heal after the tragic fall wildfires? Visiting is one of the best ways to help the communities of Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Mendocino County rebuild. Below are a few reasons to plan a trip your next trip to Wine Country. 

Winter is a Perfect Time to Visit

With mild temperatures and fewer people—meaning easier restaurant reservations and a more intimate vibe—the winter months are ideal for a California wine vacation. Not to mention that it’s Cabernet season in Napa and festive holiday events abound. Two to consider: Holidays in Healdsburg Tour, where a guide will take you to the best local restaurants and tasting rooms, or the Sonoma Valley Holiday Open House, which showcases 21 Sonoma wineries and includes small bites and access to winemakers.

Stay in Luxury Hotels—at a Lower Cost

For a limited time, area hotels are giving back to the community by giving you a generous deal. The Meritage Resort and Spa has discounted regular room rates by $40 and is donating 10 percent of rates to the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. Napa’s Inn on Randolph is offering 20 percent off regular room rates until the end of December, and is also donating 5 percent of their proceeds to the Napa Valley Community Foundation. Bodega Bay Lodge will donate $10 per night to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund for reservations booked by Nov. 30. And Calistoga Ranch is offering a complimentary night for guests arriving Sunday through Wednesday (or third night free for reservations Thursday through Saturday).

Raise a Beer Glass for Good

Wine may get most of the attention in this area, but California-made beer is reason enough to visit—especially when imbibing can help affected communities. Dozens of Napa and Sonoma craft brewers—led by Natalie and Vinnie Cilurzo of Russian River Brewing Company—banded together to raise money for fire relief efforts by releasing signature beers with the Sonoma Pride label.

January is for Foodies

If your main reason for traveling is to eat great food, good news: January is California Restaurant Month and each Wine Country location celebrates in a unique way. In Mendocino, you’ll find family-style crab feats, winemaker dinners, and beer tastings at the Mendocino Crab, Wine and Beer Festival. In Napa Valley, culinary hotspots like The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus (plus wine specials) during its Restaurant Week. And for the entire month, you can take advantage of restaurant discounts during Sonoma Valley Delicious!.