Posted in Growing Season, Industry News, NVG News on Nov 16, 2017
by Garrett Buckland, President, Napa Valley Grapegrowers
To grow grapes in Napa Valley is to engage in a longstanding tradition. For nearly two centuries, Napa Valley farmers have worked with fertile volcanic soils and a unique climate, perfect for grapegrowing and agriculture of all kinds.
Records show that commercial vineyards began to be planted as early as the 19th century, and right away, Napa Valley wines were renowned for their quality. Even through trying times including Prohibition, natural disasters, and the relentless march of urban sprawl, agriculture has maintained its prominent position as an integral part of life in the Napa Valley.
Posted in Industry News, NVG News on Oct 17, 2017
by Register Staff
Napa Valley Grapegrowers said their members would be following recommended safety practices as they consider how or if to harvest grapes in fire-affected areas.
The Napa County Agricultural Commissioner, Napa County Public Health and OSHA have all supplied guidelines for how the harvest can continue once an area is safe for workers to re-enter.
Posted in Industry News, NVG News on Oct 12, 2017
by Geoffrey Mohan
Christian Palmaz used hoes, shovels and rakes to keep flames from his family’s 19th-century vineyard estate home on the flanks of Mt. St. George in eastern Napa County.
But he didn’t have to worry about his vines. They’re green, very much alive, and a stark contrast to more than 500 acres of oak, manzanita and grassland charred by the Atlas fire as it tore across Palmaz’s property.
Posted in Industry News, NVG News on Oct 12, 2017
by Kathy Steinmetz
Napa winemaker Clayton Kirchhoff drove down a winding road this week, past singed power lines swinging in the air and houses that had been reduced to little more than rubble beside a swimming pool. Farmers on one property counted their sheep to see how many were left, as big silver tankers carted wine out of the area, one of many in California that had been ravaged by fire since Sunday night. Kirchhoff, who lost his home in the flames, was headed for White Rock Vineyards, an estate where grapes have been grown since before Prohibition — and where, on Wednesday morning, flames were still licking smoldering tree stumps. Right now it "feels like everything is in slow motion," he says.
Posted in Industry News, NVG News, Press Releases on Oct 10, 2017
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 (Napa, CA) – On the night of October 8, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) began receiving reports of fires spreading throughout the county, stoked by high winds, ample dry fuel loads, and low humidity. Growers have halted harvest activities at this time and are focusing efforts on safety and providing support to the greater Napa community.