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Napa wine tourism hit hard after 6.0 magnitude quake
California wine country is reeling today following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake early Sunday, damaging historic buildings and some tourism infrastructure.
At least six people were seriously injured in the quake, including a child with multiple fractures, and over 100 residents were treated at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.
"The majority of injuries that we are seeing are non-life-threatening, but still serious, lots of lacerations and abrasions, obviously from fallen debris," said hospital spokeswoman Vanessa de Gier.
It is the biggest seismic activity felt in the area for 25 years, and was centered six miles south of the historic city of Napa.
The jolt was felt throughout the Bay Area and as far east as the Nevada border.
A state of emergency was quickly declared by California Governor Jerry Brown.
The quake caused six major fires, one of which burned down several mobile homes.
The Napa Valley wine region took a direct hit with over a dozen buildings damaged, including wine stores and wineries.
The area is counting the cost of thousands of broken bottles of wine.
B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen says it has lost as much as 50% of stock, which retails at up to $100 a bottle.
"It’s not just good wine we lost, it’s our best wine," said winemaker Tom Montgomery.
Clay Gregory, CEO of Visit Napa Valley has urged visitors to check before heading to the area over the next few days.
"For travelers coming to the Napa Valley, most businesses are open as usual but we suggest calling first to confirm your plans," Gregory said.
Napa Valley is home to more than 500 wineries and generates over $50 billion in economic impact.
According to the US Geological Survey, 22 aftershocks were later reported, registering up to 3.6 on the Richter scale.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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