Sonoma County After the Fire: Frequently Asked Questions
Information was compiled from several sources, including the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Cal Fire, and other organizations.
Q: How was Sonoma County affected by the October 2019 wildfire?
A: The majority of Sonoma County was not directly affected by the fire.
The fire damaged less than 8% of Sonoma County’s 1 million-acre land mass. Some 77,758 acres burned and threatened the populated areas of Geyserville, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Windsor. However, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the largely unoccupied wilderness areas in the rugged northeastern part of the county. Cal Fire reports 374 structures were destroyed, 60 more damaged, and no lives were lost.
The fire was mainly in the mountains and wild land in northeastern Sonoma County, beyond where most visitors go.
Thousands of acres of vineyards, hundreds of thriving wineries, stunning ocean beaches, ancient redwood groves, and miles of pristine trails remain untouched and ready to explore.
Q: Where is Sonoma County located?
A: Sonoma County is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, in Northern California’s celebrated wine country, around 30 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge; bordered by Marin, Napa, Lake, and Mendocino counties, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Pablo Bay. Travelers can get to Sonoma County by car, train, bus, and plane.
Q: Were the wineries affected?
A: There are more than 425 wineries open to the public in Sonoma County and only two sustained major damage.
Soda Rock Winery lost its tasting room. Much of Soda Rock’s wine storage is offsite, so there was little damage to inventory. As part of Wilson Artisan Wineries, Soda Rock wines can be purchased online or at other Wilson wineries.
The Spire Collection at Field Stone Vineyard sustained damage to the winery and barn. They are still hosting guests and accepting appointments at their tasting room in Calistoga.
The 2019 winegrape harvest was 92 percent complete at the onset of the fires, while an additional 3% was harvested before evacuations took place.
Vintners have a positive outlook about the 2019 wines and are committed to only releasing the high-quality wines that Sonoma County wine enthusiasts have come to know and love.
Vineyards acted as a fire break for several reasons, fire officials said:
- The vineyards were well-tended, without a lot of dry vegetation in between the rows of vines.
- The vines have a high moisture content, so they naturally protect against fires.
- Dirt access roads that circle the vineyards, which are 10 to 15 feet wide, stopped fires from spreading.
Vineyards generally aren’t surrounded by a canopy of trees, so flying embers from above are less likely.
Q: Were any hotels damaged?
A: No hotels were damaged in the fires.
Q: How long will it be before Sonoma County can welcome back visitors?
A: Now. It's the perfect time to explore the region and enjoy your time in quiet tasting rooms, beautiful forests, and unique events. Find out more at www.sonomacounty.com/events.
Businesses are providing visitors with special offers, including inns, resorts, wineries, restaurants, and other attractions. Visit www.sonomacounty.com/gather-sonoma for more information about special offers and trip-planning ideas.
Q: Can meetings and groups still come to Sonoma County?
A: Absolutely. Meeting planners are encouraged to book business in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County offers a first-class meetings destination at the heart of Northern California Wine Country. See how “Life Opens Up” for your meeting or event, and earn up to $5,000 when you book more than 50 cumulative room nights from Nov. 1, 2019, through March 30, 2020.
Q: How can visitors help tell others that Sonoma County is ready to be explored?
A: When visiting, please take photos of the clear skies, beautiful vineyards, groves of redwood trees, pristine Pacific coastline, and rolling oak-studded hills. Then post the photos to your social media channels with #GatherInSonoma.
Q: What does Sonoma County look like after the fires?
A: The majority of Sonoma County was undamaged. The skies are clear, and the charming small towns are ready for visitors.
You can find photos that were taken since Oct. 31, 2019, after the onset of the fires, at sonomacounty.smugmug.com/Current.
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Plan to #GatherInSonoma County, where Life Opens Up. Just as wine “opens up” when it’s allowed to breathe, Sonoma County inspires visitors to open up to new experiences. Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal. Hike among towering redwoods, cruise along rugged Pacific coastline, and get to know inviting small towns. Or, just sit back and take it all in. Because here, you’re free to go your own way.
Sonoma County was named Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2019 Wine Region of the Year. Discover why by visiting it yourself. Start planning today at www.sonomacounty.com or call 707-522-5800.