Research Report: Firm Resiliency Post-Economic Shock: A Case Study of Rural Wineries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the wine industry in California due to mandated tasting room closures between March and May 2020, followed by restrictions on capacity through October 2020. Hence, this study examines the resiliency of wineries in minor California wine regions, including the challenges faced during the pandemic, strategies used to sustain their business, and the organizational factors that contributed to success. Results indicate that these wineries are small family-owned firms, which gives them the ability to controls costs and make decisions rapidly, remain customer centered, and quickly adjust to the regulatory environment during the pandemic.