Local Wineries Suffering From Gas Prices

 PLACERVILLE (CBS13) ― Local wineries are feeling the effects of high gas prices as people choose to stay close to home instead of traveling to the foothills. The Lava Cap Winery says they've been in business for more than 20 years, and this is the first time they've been pouring fewer glasses of wine.

In June and July, wine tastings were down 20-percent compared to last year.

"This is really a historical change for us," said Beth Jones, from the Lava Cap Winery. "We've had strong growth year after year."

Placerville wineries are blaming two things in particular: record-high gas prices and the wildfires, which created smoky skies, bad air and warmer temperatures.

But not all affected parties see the glass as half-empty.

"What we're seeing is a silver lining to the gas prices," said Jolaine Collins of the El Dorado Winery Association. "People are looking for things to do close to home and so they're driving into El Dorado Wine Country."

Winery managers don't expect the slump to continue, and say traffic is already picking up this month.

"The characteristics of this wine area are special, this is truly the gold here," Jones said.

The busy season starts in September, when people come for Apple hill and grape crushing. Wineries are hoping to make up for a slow summer during those events.