Given the ongoing wildfire emergency gripping large swaths of the Bay Area's wine country which is certain to deeply impact the winemaking industry, for years to come in the case of some wineries the Michelin Guide has decided to postpone their announcement of this year's star recipients and the new guidebook for the Bay Area, which was planned for Thursday. In a statement, Michelin's executive vice president of brands Claire Dorland-Clauzel says, "We have followed the crisis unfolding in Napa, Sonoma and other counties near San Francisco with grave concern and heavy hearts. Recognizing the turmoil and tragedy of the fires that are still burning, we understand this is a time for grief and recovery, not celebration. We extend our condolences to all who have been affected." They say they will now reschedule the announcement to "a future date, yet to be determined."
Michelin had also planned for a Sunday afternoon celebration in St. Helena at The Charter Oak restaurant, for chefs and star recipients, and St. Helena is now potentially facing evacuation as the Nuns Fire spreads north and east into Napa County.
Tablehopper has a roundup of local bars and restaurants which are currently collecting donations of needed items like toiletries, medical supplies, non-perishable goods, underwear, blankets, diapers, baby food, clothing, pet food, etc. Liholiho Yacht Club will be accepting donations until 11 a.m. Friday when they will be hand-delivering them to contacts in wine country. Fort Point Beer's brewery at Fort Mason (644 Old Mason Street) will be taking donations through Monday morning when they will be taking their trucks up north to deliver the goods. The Stud also is taking donations, including large pieces of luggage bound for Puerto Rico, and that is ongoing (after 5 p.m. daily) until further notice. Mauna Loa at Fillmore and Union is putting out bins today for donations, and finally The Alembic in the Upper Haight, where Chef Rachel Aronow's family farm was directly impacted in Santa Rosa, is collecting donations at least through Friday night.
French Laundry chef Thomas Keller posted the message below to Instagram, saying that the Laundry would remain closed for the time being, but Bouchon Bakery is open and Ad Hoc would resume normal service on Thursday despite Yountville still being blanketed with smoke and extremely close to the still burning Atlas Fire, which is only 3% contained. "We are currently safe in the town of Yountville and are sending thoughts and prayers for all those greatly affected by the fires in Napa, Sonoma and all areas of northern California," Keller writes. "Our restaurants in Yountville have limited resources, yet are here to support and provide sustenance and comfort to those in the area whether visitors or locals."
Of the restaurants confirmed destroyed by fire, we know only of some chain restaurants like Applebee's in Santa Rosa, and Willi's Wine Bar, however the final tally remains to be seen. Multiple major vineyards in the area of Atlas Peak, Mt. Vedeer, and the Silverado Trail, as well as several in Glen Ellen, have been either destroyed or seriously impacted.
As we mentioned yesterday, there are multiple other ways for the public to donate and volunteer, including donations of cash via crowdfunding campaigns, or to the Red Cross.
Many of those individual fundraising drives, as well as a catchall fund for California fire relief, can be found here on GoFundMe.
