Good news! Despite being surrounded by the devastating 200,000-acre Witch Creek fire, which burned numerous homes in the neighborhood and approached three sides of the vineyard, Orfila Vineyards & Winery has emerged unscathed. Leon Santoro, general manager and winemaker, reports that only 200 vines in the 70-acre estate have burned and some of those may recover. The fire that was coming up the creek that's on the north side of the vineyard virtually stopped at the driveway.
The winery wine tasting room opens tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. The nearby San Diego Wild Animal Park is also scheduled to open that day.
"We've been overwhelmed by the support that customers, associates and friends from all over the world have given us," said Santoro. So many people have asked how they can help. "That's simple," he said, "send us good thoughts and toast us with a glass of Orfila wine."
All scheduled events are expected to proceed as planned.