A new survey by Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) identifies about $150 million in losses to its members due to pandemic closures and catastrophic wildfires.
More than 70% of the county’s winegrowers expect to leave grapes unpicked or see them rejected by wineries as a result of smoke taint. This adds up to as much as 30% of Sonoma’s total harvest—more than 50,000 tons of unpicked grapes—and will have a ripple effect on the local economy.
About 15% of Sonoma grapes were picked before the start of the LNU Complex Fire and 90% before the Glass Fire. A local grape growers foundation also raised nearly $100,000 to help 240 farmworkers impacted by fires or COVID-19.
“We are hoping for a long, boring 2021 season,” said SCW President Karissa Kruse.
