diff --git a/tutormail/server.py b/tutormail/server.py
index 6b16a4c..3bd2fd3 100644
--- a/tutormail/server.py
+++ b/tutormail/server.py
@@ -116,7 +116,13 @@ def translate_recipient(self, rcptto):
 
     def get_groups(self, recipient):
         """Get all TutorGroups that an alias refers to."""
-        group_names = resolve_alias(recipient)
+        try:
+            group_names = resolve_alias(recipient)
+        except Exception:
+            # https://code.djangoproject.com/ticket/21597#comment:29
+            from django.db import connection
+            connection.close()
+            group_names = resolve_alias(recipient)
         groups = []
         for name in group_names:
             group_and_year = self.get_group(name)