Will Wineries Ever be the Same After COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people work, live, travel, and drink.

All 50 states have started to ease restrictions and stay-at-home orders, but the pandemic may affect the luxury wine industry for years to come. Napa Valley vineyards began opening in early June, but things will look different with social distancing measures in place and likely only local visitors.

Most wineries will now require employees and guests to wear masks, and visitors will need to make reservations. With restrictions and fear of travel, is enotourism dead?

Won’t travel for wine

Because of the enclosed nature of an airplane and how difficult it is to socially distance from other passengers, only 16% of U.S. adults said they would be willing to travel on a commercial airliner on the first day after officials lifted all travel restrictions, according to Forbes.

The first day back may only be for the bravest travelers, but only 61% of Americans said they would be comfortable flying any time in the next six months, which means summer vacation is likely canceled.

In America’s most prominent wine region, Napa Valley wineries were closed for nearly three months. When all vineyards are reopen, they will be limiting guests, which means the total number of visitors will plummet in 2020, as will total revenue.

Read more on Dimensional Insight’s blog.