The dual challenges of the onset of COVID-19 and wildfires impacted the wine industry in a multitude of ways in 2020. Beginning with Sonoma County issuing the shelter at home policy on March 17, 2020, soon to be followed by the other Bay Area counties. The lack of tourism and foot traffic to wineries that are more reliant on in-person visitors and tasting room sales was immediate. At the same time, restaurants closing entirely or reduced to a takeout model has led to an increase in at home wine consumption. The pandemic will have an unprecedented impact and conflicting trends are and will shape the wine industry for years to come.

Download The Impact of COVID-19 and Wildfires on the San Francisco Bay Area’s Wine Industry.