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Multiple heavy rainstorms are flooding vast areas, washing out roads, and triggering mudslides, but vineyards appear unharmed so far. Despite a waterlogged start to the new year and multiple closures of tasting events, vineyard owners are relieved that after several years of drought-induced reduced yields, the rainfall total is already past its average for the winter season. And there's more rain on the way.
For some, it's not all rosy. For small operations that rely on direct sales during wine tastings in winter, being closed to visitors is a harsh reality. For those who had to evacuate or are cut off with road closures, again it's potentially damaging. Fallen trees, road closures and power outages aside, Napa and Sonoma's vintners haven't reported much damage to wineries or vineyards.
Fortunately, vineyards are dormant at this time of year. It is several weeks away from bud break when tender leaves emerge and can be damaged by severe weather. Even some standing water in dormant vineyards typically won't cause much concern. The major exception would be vineyards subject to erosion. In addition, it may be weeks or longer before the ground dries enough to get tractors into the vineyards.
Also problematic is the closure of restaurants in flooded towns and cities throughout California. Reduced sales to the trade could be damaging to the industry in a season already plagued by reduced yields. Creeks that haven't run in years have overflowed their banks and washed out roads.
V. Sattui Vineyard lost an iconic 275-year-old oak tree when it toppled in front of the winery after being uprooted by the storms.
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