Copia on Hold

Some unfortunate news from the wine world: On Monday, Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts, filed for reorganization relief under the Chapter 11 bankruptcy code. This Napa Valley museum opened, with the help of Julia Child and Robert Mondavi, to enthusiastic reviews in 2002 and has served as a significant source for food and wine culture and education ever since. But today, their classes are on hold, the lights in the wine bar are off and the pathway through the organic edible gardens is closed.

While Copia’s recent bankruptcy filing may come as no surprise to some—last May the museum publicized a sizeable cost-cutting and restructuring plan—its acting president still hopes to come back strong. “The decision to restructure the business through a Chapter 11 filing should provide us with the opportunity to strengthen our balance sheet, create a more efficient expense structure and ultimately position our public-benefit corporation to compete more effectively,” explained Garry McGuire, Jr. in a recent press release.

So for now Copia’s doors remain shut. But for the sake of foodies and wine enthusiasts around the country, we hope it isn’t for long.