Napa Valley Wineries Prepare to Open

May and June are the start of Napa Valley’s peak season, so it’s great to hear that restaurants and wineries have the green light to open. In 2018, an average of 3.8 million people visited the area and spent more than $2.23 billion. Sadly, the Wine Institute projects the U.S. wine industry will lose $6 billion due to the pandemic. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Just last week, Napa Valley restaurants received approval to begin offering indoor dining. Restaurant owners are hoping that people will be willing to come out and pay a visit to wine country, especially those who are tired of staying cooped up at home. Let’s take a look at what will be opening up in Napa Valley and what you can expect over the next few weeks.

California is Reopening and Currently in Stage 2 

There are four stages to California’s reopening. 

Stage 1: Stay home and prepare safe workplaces.

Stage 2: Gradually allow low-risk business and activities to open, including dining and retail.

Stage 3: Allow higher-risk activities to open, such as movie theaters and gyms. 

Stage 4: End the stay-at-home order and allow people to be in large venues and arenas. 

Currently, California is in Stage 2, though some counties are taking more restrictive orders. All Bay Area counties have relaxed their restrictions and are moving into Stage 2. This includes Napa, Solano and Sonoma. The greater San Francisco area is more restrictive and has a June 1st tentative date to reopen. 

Currently, California is in Stage 2, though some counties are taking more restrictive orders. All Bay Area counties have relaxed their restrictions and are moving into Stage 2. This includes Napa, Solano and Sonoma. The greater San Francisco area is more restrictive and has a June 1st tentative date to reopen. 

What is Opening in Napa Valley? 

Napa County is still under a stay-at-home order, but restrictions are loosening. Here is what you can expect to be open: 

• Essential businesses 
• Dine-in restaurants 
• Indoor retail 
• Barbershops and hair salons
• Places of worship 
• Essential travel
• Outdoor activities 
• Childcare and educational programs 
• Some manufacturing 
• Public swimming pools
• Residential cleaning, repair and maintenance 
• Schools 

Are Face Coverings Required? 

Yes, face coverings are expected to be worn inside places of business and in workspaces where you can’t stay 6 feet away from others. In other words, if you plan on going grocery shopping or doing other essential indoor activities, plan to wear a face covering. 

However, you are not required to wear masks when hiking, biking or running, which are common activities in the Napa region. Children under the age of 6 also do not need to wear a mask. 

Napa Valley Hotel and Suites is open during this time. We continue to follow all protocols and guidelines to keep our customers and staff safe. Contact us today to plan a trip to Napa and book your room. Restaurants and wineries will be open!