The recent wildfires in California and the staggering damage inflicted on life and property, which happened with such speed, gave many of us in British Columbia pause even after experiencing our own record season of flames that burned 900,000 hectares of forests throughout the province and at times threatening wineries here.
As fire crews continue to mop up in the North Bay area there is much to be done before order can return to the region. You can help in an indirect manner by purchasing some extra bottles of California wine, to keep the North Bay economy strong until the people in the region get back on their feet. This week's Top Ten picks have swelled well beyond the normal limit in quantity, but we have decided to share a much larger number of wines to encourage you to assist the many in need. You also can help now by donating any funds to the various charitable causes, but here are two sites to help you can get started: One in Napa Valley and the other in Sonoma. We send our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected, and wish you strength as you rebuild.