How Can I Help? Deliberate Tourism

“How can I help?” is a question wineries along the Wine Road are hearing from wine lovers concerned about the recent wildfire that burned though parts of Sonoma County.

How can you help?—deliberate tourism.

Deliberate Tourism Works

Deliberate tourism is supporting a region, especially after it has experienced a natural disaster or other hardship. After New Orleans experienced epic flooding, folks who love the city returned to help support its recovery with their tourism dollars. Areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District that were relatively undamaged welcomed tourists back with open arms. It was this deliberate tourism that helped the Big Easy heal and rebuild.

We’re Resilient

Last week when the Kinkade fire raged through a portion of northeast Sonoma County, valiant firefighters battled to keep it from spreading into urban areas. Yes, there was damage and loss to ranches, rural homes and structures, and open areas. Yet only one Wine Road winery, Soda Rock, was destroyed and they have already reopened for business in the only structure left on the property—an old barn. Winery folks are a resilient bunch.

How Can I Help?

If you want to lend a helping hand to our community, plan a trip to the Wine Road, or plan several trips in the coming months and year. The wineries are open for business, the lodgings continue to have wonderful accommodations, and there are so many terrific restaurants to pick from. Not to mention all the great outdoor activities—and the air is crystal clear.

The view from the Old Crocker Inn, located just outside of Cloverdale.

Fall is a spectacular time to visit, and this week we are having warm, sunny days and clear, crisp nights. If you can’t visit along the Wine Road immediately, then try to visit in the coming months. Wineries will be having holiday open houses starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, and it is a wonderful way to officially kick-off the holiday season with wine tasting at your favorite wineries.

Upcoming Wine Road Events

You might also look into coming for one or more of the upcoming annual Wine Road events. Winter Wineland will be held January 18 & 19, and the two Barrel Tasting weekends are March 6-8 and 13-15, 2020. Or, purchase a one-day Wine Road Tasting Pass, which is good for complimentary tasting at 65 wineries along the Wine Road.

Killer Shipping Offer

Currently, over 70 Wine Road wineries are offering $5 shipping on full case purchases of their wine through November 22^nd. If you live out of the area, this is an amazing deal that lets you stock your cellar with your favorite wines! If you can’t come for a visit, go online and place an order, or pick up the phone and call your favorite tasting room. Be sure to check out the list on the Wine Road website to verify which wineries are participating. This is just another way you can help out and enjoy the benefits of your deliberate tourism. #SipSonoma

We’re Counting On You!

The beauty of Sonoma County will be here, but if you want to make sure the wineries and other businesses are as well, please come back, and soon. Order and drink wine from your favorite wineries along the Wine Road. Be a deliberate tourist to help everyone along the Wine Road as we rebound from the aftermath of the Kinkade fire. And, thank you for supporting the Wine Road!

Happy Sipping!

p.s. Remember, Sonoma County was selected as the 2019 Wine Region of the Year by the Wine Enthusiast. And since you’ve tasted our wines, you already know why!

#AlongTheWineRoad @TheWineRoad #WineRoadLife SipSonoma