After being exempt from closure, California Gov. Newsom's winery shuts down following backlash

Following major criticism, one of the wineries in which California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a financial stake reversed its decision to remain open after the governor issued widespread closures elsewhere in the state. 

Newsom and his wife own stock in the Plumpjack Group, a consortium of wineries jointly owned by several investors. Among the businesses in that portfolio is Plumpjack Winery located in Napa, California. 

Newsom this week ordered the temporary closure of numerous public venues in 19 different California counties, including wineries and tasting rooms, in response to rising coronavirus infections in the state. Napa was not on the list of counties subject to closures. 

Plumpjack was earlier in the week still open and still accepting reservations. Yet, the winery reportedly began cancelling events shortly after backlash arose due to Newsom's shuttering so many wineries yet allowing one of his to remain open.

RedState reported on Friday that it had obtained a voicemail from a Plumpjack official in which the employee told a customer that "due to logistical issues [the winery] will actually be closed this coming weekend into Monday."

The employee reportedly offered to "transfer [the customer] to Odette Estate Winery" in order to make a reservation there. Odette Estate Winery is also owned by Plumpjack. 

As RedState noted, Plumpjack's website earlier in the week had still been offering reservations. As of Saturday the reservation option had been stripped from its website.