Temecula’s wine country may experience a drop in tourism as a national state of emergency has been declared due to the coronavirus Friday, March 13. Gov. Gavin Newsom Sunday, March 15, set guidelines that included the closure of wineries and bars. Valley News/Shane Gibson photo
When news broke that Gov. Gavin Newsom announced guidelines Sunday, March 15, meant to deal with the spread of the coronavirus, you probably could hear a pin drop in Temecula Wine Country.It wasn’t long until leaders in wine country began taking action and making plans – Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association called an emergency meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, after press time, some wineries closed tasting rooms, others remained defiant, pledging to stay open.“We called ABC Sacramento this morning and they have not put out a mandate that you must be closed,” Christina Falik, who owns Gershon Bachus Vintners with her husband, Kenny, said Monday. “As far as we’re concerned, we’re going to be open as usual. We are doing our social distancing. We have a cleanliness
