Jyll Jara-Hurd spoke on the topic of the impact of COVID-19 and fires on California wine country at our Wednesday, October 7, 2020 meeting. Jyll, a certified wine professional and educator, as well as the Wine Director at the San Francisco Chronicle, shared how fires in California have been getting increasingly worse each year, and that fact, combined with the impact of COVID-19, has placed an enormous strain on California wine country. In fact, many wine companies, as well as ancillary businesses, will be unsustainable after this year. Highlights of her presentation included: - Wine companies have had minimal insurance.
- Wine companies have needed to be adaptable, as higher temperatures are affecting wine production choices.
- Poor air quality has affected restaurants by limiting their outdoor dining options, thereby reducing the amount of wine they're purchasing.
- Smoke taint can incubate in grapes over time, as well as bottled wine, and can result in an ash taste.
- Many wine companies will be unable to have 2020 red vintages.
- There has been an increase in more organic, bio-dynamic farming.
- The fires in OR have affected wine production there as well, although WA will be interesting to watch over time.
- Jyll recommends trying orange wine (a white wine that is fermented like a red).
On a side note, Jyll shared with us details of her company Six Feet Vibes, which sells hats and other goodies. You can check out their wares at https://sixfeetvibes.com. Jyll is currently responsible for sales and education at the Donkey and Goat Winery. She has been a leader in sales and marketing for the wine industry for 13 years. |
