LAKE COUNTY ? A tour hosted by the Lake County Winegrape Growers led VIP guests including city, county, business and media representatives to two high elevation vineyards for wine tasting and question and answer sessions from vinters regarding the wine industry in Lake County.
Conveyed to the group of about 20 was the message that Lake County is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the state and its wines are gaining notoriety, while the culture of the area remains true to its rural heritage?a paradox in that the desire to remain off the beaten path and “exclusive” as one vintner put it?draws more and more people to the area seeking to discover something special. “We”re the last frontier,” said Patty Brunetti, a longtime businesswoman in the area currently breaking into olive oil farming and home wine-making. “It”s exciting that our future is still ahead of us, whereas Napa has already seen its peak and become corporate,” Brunetti said.
That sentiment became a theme of the day, as growers explained what brings Lake County on par with Napa in terms of the quality of wines it produces, but also the distinction of the many micro climates and a culture that differentiates Lake County from other wine-growing regions.
John Adriance, COO of Snows Lake Vineyards, came to Lake County to break into the business in the late 1990s. He said the goal of growers in Lake County is to work together to market their grapes. One percent of revenues are required from members of the Winegrape Growers to fund their marketing, research and educational efforts.
“It”s paid off. In 1991 there were 41 growers that sold to 14 wineries. Today there are 145 growers selling to 120 wineries. That”s a jump from 12,000 tons to 35,000 tons and over $40,000 worth of grapes, not including grapes wineries crush here,” said Adriance.
There”s no disputing the fast pace of growth Lake County as a wine region has experienced since the grape glut in the late 1990”s. Six years ago there were just four wineries, one year ago 14 wineries could be found and today there are a total of 22 wineries and more than 8,800 acres of grapes translating into a $75 million industry for Lake County in terms of wine that is produced from its grapes.
Adriance said he doesn”t think a glut will occur again, as long as growers are careful.
“It depends on us playing the game right. It”s still true that some are having tremendous success and some are not. It”s all about the marketing, and I think the 10 percent annual growth rate is perfect for the growing consumer base. People 25 and younger are really into wine, more so than the baby boomers, so that helps secure growth for the future,” Adriance said.
He said with all the recognition and awards, as well as the buzz about Lake County that can be heard in New York, Washington, D.C., and internationally, the goal is not to become the next Napa, despite the land and growing conditions being equally ideal.
“Napa went through a phase where it was just pure ego, now it”s ego with corporatization. Generally speaking, going corporate means the bean counters are controlling more of the industry than the wine growers, which takes the focus away from the quality of the wine,” said Adriance.
District two county supervisor Jeff Smith was in attendance to represent the board of supervisors. He said he spoke on behalf of the county supervisors when he extended his appreciation of the wine industry.
“For me it”s changing the perception of Lake County. There have been so many negatives for so many years, and the industry is bringing a lot of enthusiasm with it. Also it is a great source of revenue. Konocti school district just learned their bonds have gone up, and they were completely surprised. They thought ?how could this be with the housing slump,” and they were told it was because of the vineyards,” Smith said.
“I think a lot of people think the wine industry is exclusive in the money it generates, but they need to realize that they really do give back,” Smith said.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
