On the same day Americans vote for a new president - 4 November - Napa County residents will decide whether to extend their historic Agricultural Preserve.
Vintners and grape growers credit the creation of the first Agricultural Preserve in 1968 – which covers some 14,0000ha – with the success of Napa’s wine industry.
Proponents of Measure P say it will extend protection of Napa’s farmlands, watersheds and open space from development until the year 2058.
‘Measure P ensures economic stability. If someone is going to invest in a 30-year vineyard in Napa Valley, they need to know it will not be condos in another 10 years,’ said vintner Volker Eisele, who led the effort to put the measure on the ballot.
‘The urban pressure in Napa is unbelieveable,’ added Andy Beckstoffer, one of the largest vineyard owners in the valley. ‘I’m constantly amazed at how people can make money just by saying “Napa Valley”.‘
Other vintners who support the measure include Cathy Corison, of Corison Vineyards, Hugh Davies of Schramsberg, Koerner Rombauer of Rombauer Vineyards and Warren Winiarski, former owner of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Measure P is a county vote only, and will be added to the local ballot on 4 November.
Written by Janice Fuhrman
