Holiday Tourism In Napa ‘On Par’ With Last Year

After the earthquake nine days ago, the Napa County tourism industry was concerned visitors might avoid the area during the Labor Day holiday weekend. It is normally one of the county's busiest times. But the fears were unfounded.

The earthquake damaged about 20 percent of the wineries in the Napa Valley. In the city and county of Napa, hotels and restaurants suffered damage too.
Clay Gregory, President of Visit Napa Valley, was worried that some media coverage focusing on damaged buildings and spilled wine might discourage visitors.

"I can't think it could have gone any bette ... given where we were a week ago on Sunday,” said Gregory.

He said few hotels had vacancies and the holiday weekend was just as good as last year.

Cate Conniff is with the Napa Valley Vintners Association.

“In terms of the number of visitors and the number of sales is that people seem to be just about on par as last year, which is saying something,” said Conniff.

Conniff said along with visitors, a lot of locals were out visiting Napa Valley wineries.

She said the grape harvest is now in full swing and people in the Napa Valley are coming together to help those most affected by the earthquake.