Newsletter Archives
Napa’s 2024 Supervisorial Election
No time to look back at 2023 - the 2024 election season commands our attention, as ballots are set to be mailed in early February for the March 5, 2024 election. Local elected officials play a crucial role in shaping the community and the Napa County supervisorial race, in particular, carries significant implications for the future of agriculture in the region.
Napa Wine Industry Faces Regulations
This year’s harvest may arrive later than usual, but there’s a silver lining - the 2023 vintage is expected to be exceptional. While this is exciting news for Napa’s wine enthusiasts, the challenges faced by growers and vintners in Napa County are a growing concern, particularly regarding land use.
Winegrowers 2023 Goals
Is it a new beginning or the beginning of a new normal? 2023 kicks off with not only the end of the 3-year Covid State of Emergency but also the easing of many provisions of the Drought Emergency Order. And let’s not forget about the ongoing threat of wildfires.
Here’s to 2023!
To end the year, we recapped all we accomplished in 2022. 2022 didn’t shut the door on concerns with Covid-19, wildfire, drought, the economy, climate change, etc., hence, we must continue to find ways to manage these challenges. While much is out of our individual control, working collaboratively, effectively, and diligently is key. Luckily, Napa vintners and grape growers have a history of working together, helping each other, and sharing best management practices with each other.
Vote!
As we geared up for the November election, we discussed the importance of voting and shared some of the candidates we endorsed. Winegrowers encouraged citizens to vote and to spend some time delving into the local issues and candidates.
Highlighting Our Community Partners
In September, we highlighted a number of great organizations in Napa County that align with the mission and ideals of WGNC. Winegrowers is committed to supporting and collaborating with our community partners in order to continue to create a positive impact that benefits all of us in the larger community.
Environmental Sustainability
In August, we explored environmental sustainability. While Napa County’s enactment of the Agricultural Preserve in 1968 and slow growth initiatives have helped avert some of the struggles of the neighboring Bay Area, it is Napa’s vintners and grape growers who continue to research, explore and implement sustainable practices that are assuring that Napa is and will continue to be a leader in environmental sustainability.
Generational Success
In July, we discussed generational families in the Napa wine community and the impact this has on sustainable practices. We also had the privilege of interviewing the Napa County Supervisor candidates in Districts 1 and 3 and shared our endorsements.
A History of Preserving Our Land
In June, we delved into the history of Winegrowers and wine in the Napa Valley. In the late 1990s, several vintners and growers would gather for breakfast at Cakebread Cellars to share and discuss local wine industry issues. As Napa wines and the Napa Valley itself gained worldwide attention, it became clear that we would need to focus on our own backyard to preserve and protect Napa’s land, community, and economy for future generations. Thus, Winegrowers of Napa County was born.
Sustaining Our Workforce
In May, we focused on wine industry employees and the efforts to retain, compensate, and appreciate our workforce. While sustainability has become a buzzword with various meanings, Winegrowers continues to believe that true sustainability is achieved through protecting the environment, maintaining economic viability, and embracing our workers and community.
Animals & Wildlife in the Vineyard
In April, we highlighted the important role animals and wildlife play in our vineyards. Napa County was an early adopter of sustainable practices. These practices not only protect our wildlife and ecosystem, maintain the long-term viability of agriculture, promote healthy soil and air quality, and conserve water and energy, but also produce the best quality grapes and wine.
Women’s History Month
In March, we discussed a few of the many land-use regulations that wineries and vineyards follow and celebrated Women's History Month. It has been exciting to experience the positive impacts and different perspectives that women have brought to the Napa wine industry. We’ve profiled a few outstanding examples in this month’s newsletter.
Community Involvement
In February, we highlighted the community. Not only does the Napa wine industry support the local economy by providing jobs (in fact, the wine and tourism industries are the number one and number two largest employers) and generating $85.1 million in tax revenue (saving each Napa County household $1,747 in annual taxes), but it also preserves open space, maintains our agricultural heritage, prevents urban sprawl, encourages sustainability, and contributes to the scenic beauty of the valley. In addition, winery and vineyard owners donate to and are involved with local charities, schools, and community services
Water Conservation
January focused on water conservation and combatting the drought. Napa County farmers and wineries are consistently exploring methods and implementing processes to assure that water is being managed sustainably, not only because it’s the right thing to do but also because the wine industry relies on water being managed sustainably and Napa County relies on the wine industry being viable.
Soil Erosion
December focused on erosion control, basically keeping your soil on your land, which benefits the environment, the watershed, and the ecosystem. With soil being a valuable commodity to farmers, it also benefits the farmer. Hence, effective erosion control measures are essential to all. Napa County has been a leader in erosion control measures by implementing the Conservation Regulations in 1991 and is the only county in California that requires CEQA review to plant a vineyard. With the recent wildfires, farmers' know-how on keeping soil on their land is a key part of recovery.
Fire Prevention
November focused on wildfire prevention, mitigation, and preparation in Napa. Wildfire impacts all of us, whether or not you live in Napa County, one of Napa’s municipalities, and/or in a fire zone. Negative impacts to our health, the economy, water resources, and wildlife habitat are felt by all. The wine community is working together to increase awareness, research solutions, and push for improved prevention and mitigation.
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