In years past, I have started each new year with predictions for the New Year in the wine industry. This year is different: who knows what will happen? Undoubtedly, COVID-19 is going to have a great impact. But how much? 

Obviously, restaurants and wine tasting rooms are going to be seriously impacted. Even when Phase 2 begins, indoor capacity will be limited to 25%. And it is going to be a hard winter. Who wants to taste or dine outside? Last week, I tasted at Henry Earl (wines to be reviewed in the February issue) on Main Street. Thanks to my friend Horte Coleman, I was seated at a table with a mini gas fireplace. At the Spring Valley Vineyard tasting room on Second and Rose, the wind was blowing. Luckily, I had only three new wines to taste (to be in February). Currently, most of my tasting work has been at home with wines shipped to me, including ones from Eight Bells, Wind Rose Cellars, Tinte Cellars and Convergence Zone Cellars, all to be in the February issue. 

As a consequence, people are dining and drinking at home more. This is partially offsetting the loss for wineries of restaurant sales. Another response by wineries is bringing wines and tasting to customers homes, through promotions such as free or discounted shipping and tasting packages. 

Another consequence is more wine industry consolidation. The big news this week has been the purchase of the Goff Family's shares in Amavi Cellars and the Pepper Bridge Winery by Dennis Murphy, owner-winemaker of Caprio Cellars and home builder (Hayden Homes). Also at the end of 2020, Steve and Jo Marie Hansen sold Basel Cellars to Dan Thiesen, Paul McKay and Philip Christofiide, founders of the Walla Walla Steak Company and Crossbuck Brewing., and Chad MacKay and Scott Clark.

So what happens in the wine industry in 2021 is anybody's guess. Mine is that COVID-19 will have a big impact well into the year. Who knows what the "New Normal" will be.