Some Napa wineries destroyed, damaged; others threatened

Flames from Napa Valley’s Glass Fire, which exploded overnight, are tearing through parts of this world-class tourist destination, incinerating three wineries and damaging or threatening others.

Three family-owned wineries — Chateau Boswell, Hunnicutt and Failla — have been destroyed, according to reports from eyewitnesses. One building at Castello di Amorosa, the massive Tuscan-style castle, is gone, the winery’s vice president told the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday.

The Napa County Office of Emergency Services said 64 wineries sit within the evacuation or evacuation warning areas.

“Please send prayers to Napa Valley and Sonoma County. We’ve already lost a few wineries and are destined to lose more tonight,” Napa-based wine writer Kelly Mitchell tweeted late Sunday. “Hunnicutt, Failla, Boswell gone. I am sad to report. Newton is being threatened. Davis Estate and Phelps are okay right now.”

Duckhorn Vineyards owners reported Monday that their winery had been kept safe from the flames..

“Thanks to the heroic efforts of fire crews last night, Duckhorn Vineyards is standing tall, and our staff (including our beloved winery cat Kitter) is out of harm’s way. Our hearts go out to our neighbors during this difficult time,” the winery posted on Twitter.

On the western side of the Silverado Trail, Rombauer Vineyards reported that its properties had been threatened by fire Sunday but escaped damage.

Charles Krug Winery and Fantesca Winery also tweeted Monday to say that their wineries and employees are safe.

Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries and tasting rooms, according to Visit Napa Valley, the region’s tourism organization. The wine and tourism industries are the county’s No. 1 and No. 2 industries, respectively. In 2018, more than 3.85 million people visited the region, pouring $2.23 billion into the local economy.

The group was unable to respond to inquiries Monday about affected wineries and hotels “because of the active fire situation.”

“Visit Napa Valley is thankful for the work CalFire and other first responders are doing to keep residents and visitors safe, and our hearts go out to the families who are impacted,” Lisa Poppen, vice president of the organization, said.