I thought this might be a good place to post up any brewery related info to the fires in Napa and Sonoma county. Russian River was closed Monday as many of their people had been evacuated. Cooperage posted that their building is safe but other buildings in the area were affected. They plan to open tomorrow.
I've checked in with Vinnie at Russian River and Sean Paxton. Both are safe, but described the situation as "armageddon" and "surreal." Sean had to evacuate his home as his neighborhood is surrounded by multiple wildfires, and Vinnie says they're prepared to evacuate, but they have staff and friends who've lost everything. Both hope to get through today as the winds are severe. Here's the statewide fire map for California: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1TOEFA857tOVxtewW1DH6neG1Sm0&hl=en&ll=37.28557739837558,-119.39475185546877&z=5 Dozens are now dead, up to 700 people are missing, and nearly 4,000 homes/buildings have been destroyed. For anyone in the area reading this, please be safe.
How You Can Help Northern California Fire Victims https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/...-North-Bay-Fire-Relief-Efforts-450142573.html
The Lodi wine industry, led by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, is springing into action. There are drop-offs at many Lodi wineries, some wineries are donating a portion of sales, and other wineries have offered winery space for Napa/Sonoma wineries to send their barrels/tanks/cased pallets/winegrapes to. I'm hoping to be able to offer some space at my winery though I have to press off the last of my reds to make space first.
A group of Sacramento area breweries will be accepting donations and delivering to those in need. Sactown Union is joining forces with six other Sacramento breweries to collect donations for the victims and displaced neighbors, friends and family of the North Bay fires. Evacuation shelters and emergency groups are in desperate need of supplies and volunteers. With your help, we can collect some of those needed supplies and get them delivered. If you wish to donate, please drop off any donations at Sactown Union or other participating breweries by 7 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 13. Our first delivery will be made Saturday morning (roads permitting). Sonoma Cider has set up a donation drop-off zone, where donations will be delivered to the surrounding communities in need. Items needed include: Non-perishable food (no glass) Can openers Coffee / coffee makers Water (no glass) Grocery store gift cards Camp stoves / propane tanks Coats Socks (new and in package) Underwear (new and in package) Other breweries accepting donations include New Glory Craft Brewery, New Helvetia Brewing Company, Bike Dog Brewing Company, Bike Dog - Broadway Location, Oak Park Brewing Company and Device Brewing Company. For a more detailed and updated list of needs and participating breweries, please visit https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yjmYzqJISZL5hiKScix2LglSbkWns4xqItsiGYMJctg/edit?usp=sharing Thank you!
More brewery updates: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/11/wine-country-fires-yes-but-how-are-the-breweries/
Also, Vinnie and Natalie (Russian River Brewing Co.) wanted me to pass along that although they're still safe, it's hard for them to take solace in knowing that so many people's lives (including some of their staff) have been shattered. RRBC will be announcing a fundraiser soon to help provide some relief. BeerAdvocate will be supporting their efforts. More to follow...
Years ago I lost a home to fire, so I understand those people's pain. It's tough losing in minutes what took a lifetime to build. Still, in the end you're very thankful to be alive. My heart goes out to those affected by these fires.
From Bear Republic's newsletter: --- Due to the many fires in our communities, Bear Republic Brewing Company will be donating 0.50 cents on every case of beer sold, for the next 30 days, to raise funds to help those affected by the devastating Sonoma County Fires. Many of our employees and family members have lost their homes and have little to rely on. We are reaching out to our Wholesalers and asking for their support through matching funds up to 0.50 cents per case or a one time donation. We thank all our suppliers and distributors for their kind words and prayers. Thanks for your continued support during these difficult times and be safe. Sincerely, The Owners of Bear Republic Brewing Co. ---
I addition to all of the great support already mentioned by local and not local breweries lending support for those in need, I would like to add another to the list. Aaron Levin is the head brewer and Owner (along with his awesome wife Amy) of St. Florian's Brewery in Windsor, CA. In addition to running the brewery, he is also the Windsor fire captain. He is actively fighting the fires out in Santa Rosa and doing anything and everything he can to help those in need. He has been interviewed on the streets amidst the fires multiple times since the fires started. Kudos to him and all of the others out there making a difference.
Here's another way to help: Russian River Sonoma Pride (Fundraiser) + a Chance to Cut the 2018 Pliny the Younger Line
As someone who has previously lived in the Santa Rosa area and still visits on a regular basis the area has been hit hard. The King Ridge Foundation who RR is donating to does great work the area can use all the money they can get. I just purchased a few tickets and would hope those in the BA community that can donate do. The chance to be first in line for the Younger is a true VIP experience I am sure and if you don't win your money is going to an area that really needs it.
I hope this is ok to leave this here. The California wine industry has banded together and launched California Wine Strong, which is an association of California wineries and winery/grapegrower groups. They have this website just set up: www.cawinestrong.com There you can see how you can directly donate, or patronize wineries that are giving. Some wineries are donating directly or through bottle sales; others such as mine are freeing up space in their wineries and homes for the Napa and Sonoma wine folks impacted.
Updates from Bear Republic: Join in Bear Republic's Fundraising Efforts for Sonoma County Fire Victims
