This is kind of an underwhelming article, IMHO. He basically collects all of the reasons why Napa is hurting that this board has been talking about for years, and everyone in the industry already pretty much knows (too much sameness, too expensive, rich owners can easily sustain losses), and then suggests that the answers are:
- plant something other than Cabernet in Napa (I mean, sure, this makes more sense on the outer parts of the county, but who in their right mind is going to replant their cabernet in the Valley?)
- sell or downscale production (oh, okay)
- lease out your owned vineyard (not sure how that fixes the macro problem)
- sell your vineyard into a conservation easement (that’s a tax play that really only benefits those who can really make use of the tax play)
- get the county to allow for more tourism through on-property events (never in a zillion years is Napa County going to allow this)
So, in other words, make less wine and boost tourism?
These all sure sound beneficial for Ted’s Long Meadow Ranch, and Mayacamas where he’s a Managing Director.