Afternoon In The Vineyards
Springtime in the Vines
Napa Valley's Annual Afternoon in the Vineyards Saturday, May 10, 2008, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
| South Napa County locations: | North Napa County locations: |
Trinchero Family Estates Vineyard Huichica Creek Vineyard Judd's Hill O'Brien Estate |
Cardinale Heitz Wine Cellars Jericho Canyon Vineyard |
Community members learn about vineyard practices
2008 has proven to be a spectacular year to see the brilliant mustard flowers blooming among the vine rows in vineyards up and down the Napa Valley. But did you know the cross-like flowers, believed to have been sewn by Spanish missionaries back in the day so that they might follow the golden yellow carpet back to their journey's beginning, now burst forth each winter as a volunteer crop that aids in soil stabilization while providing a bright spot in the winter landscape. Today, grape growers in Napa Valley, plant cover crops such as fescue and rye, along with white clover and fava bean among others to stabilize the fertile soils against the winter rains, soils that are truly the lifeblood of the wine industry in Napa Valley.
So when it comes time to mow these cover crops to allow field crews to work the vines, what better method than to bring in wooly sheep to "mow" these grasses? This green technology not only saves gasoline and therefore reduces carbon emission and air pollution, but these lazy sheep add the perfect grace note to the pastoral beauty of the valley. Who knew our local wine industry had such interesting and effective green technologies? This is just one of many examples of what Napa County residents learn about the number one industry in their community at the annual Afternoon in the Vineyards.
The 8th annual collaboration between the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Vintners known as Afternoon in the Vineyards will take place Saturday, May 10, 2008 at six vineyard sites from near Calistoga to American Canyon showcasing what's happening in the vineyards and in the wine industry to hundreds of Napa Valley neighbors.
Residents turn out to meet growers and winery owners in the vineyard as the growing season gears up for the year. These informal gatherings allow neighbors to meet one another, learn about the grape growing process, hear about environmental concerns, and farming techniques and strategies while enjoying a beautiful Napa Valley afternoon with unfolding views of the valley.
Not only have locals seen rescue-trained dogs sniff-out dreaded vine mealy bugs in demonstrations, or heard passionate viticulturists talk about the cycles of the moon and the burying of animal horns as part of the rituals that make up bio-dynamic farming, but most have tasted the legendary wines from these vineyards. This is an afternoon where locals can really take a moment to revel in the wonder of their region and find out what's new in the field.
This year, the vintners and growers are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, which when founded in 1968, was the first time land in the U.S. had ever been set aside specifically for agriculture. This is quite an accomplishment when one takes into consideration that era of pro-growth, especially in the western states. Here in Napa, with the foresight of land owners, a locally initiated preserve was enacted. Today there are more than 38,000 acres in the Ag Preserve and no land has ever been taken from the Preserve. Many believe that this forward-thinking land policy formed the bedrock for the leadership of the Napa Valley in land stewarding with other initiatives such as stream set-backs, hillside farming ordinances and the Winery Definition Ordinance, all of which contribute to the preservation of agriculture as the leading industry in Napa County which maintains the county's rural character and natural beauty. The vineyards open for the afternoon this year will highlight the Preserve, as well as leadership in new technologies and programs such as Napa Green Certified Land and Napa Green Certified Winery. Shepherding the industry into a greener future is something of which all residents of Napa Valley will feel proud to be a part.
The visits are free and you can visit one or all six! And, it's a great way for the whole family to learn about local agriculture, the history of the valley and more.
This year among the vineyard locations showcasing the Napa Valley wine industry to the community are Jericho Canyon Vineyard in Calistoga, Heitz Wine Cellars in St Helena, Cardinale in Yountville, Judd's Hill in Napa and O'Brien Estate in the Oak Knoll District.
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