Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Save the Family Farms (STFF) advocates for a level playing field for all Napa Valley wineries (big, small, and micro) to co-exist and have the ability to perform tastings and direct to consumer (DTC) sales. The current shut-down (COVID-19) of winery visitation means that big and small wineries are now faced with the challenge that small family vineyards who custom crush have always experienced – no ability to host onsite tastings and DTC sales. Everyone is now feeling the pain and many of us are not going to survive.
The Napa Board of Supervisors (BOS) has a unique opportunity to do the right thing for the right reason at the right time to ensure everyone can participate in helping our County recover. There is no better time than now for a unified effort that is inclusive and has everyone large and small working to come together.
A “common ground of economic viability” exists for all small businesses, grape growers, vintners, small family vineyards, etc. and we encourage the BOS to create a path where everyone can participate. The Winegrowers of Napa County and Napa Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce officially support STFF’s efforts to work with the BOS in finding a path forward since small family farm & vineyard wine tastings enable more diversity, deliver a new level of visitor engagement, and enhance Napa Valley’s overall reputation.
This is a time when evolution is important. According to Rob McMillan, EVP Silicon Valley Bank: “If we’re ever going to build a bridge to the new normal and include the millennials along with new revenue sources, it will be the small, family farms (vineyards) that do it.” “STFF (Micro-Wineries) can help restart the Napa economy with a very low impact open-air (socially distance with masks, etc.) tasting experiences to attract the new consumer.”
Napa County’s current one-size-fits-all permit framework does not address small family farms & vineyards. Save the Family Farms is asking the Napa County BOS to create an affordable path to compliance by formally recognizing micro-wineries and directing staff to develop a draft ordinance that would enable small family farms & vineyards to generate a livable, sustainable income. A Micro-Winery ordinance would legitimize, justify, and preserve the small family farms & vineyards in Napa County, very similar to how the Small Winery Ordinance addressed existing small wineries.
Making small family farms (Micro-Wineries) economically viable is a key objective within the Napa County General Plan on June 04, 2013. Please tell your supervisor to "Let's go make it happen"!