Winery Backlash in Sonoma County – KQED Forum

The number of Sonoma County wineries has more than doubled since 2005 and the industry has become the backbone of the region’s economy. But some neighborhood groups say escalating winery tourism from tasting rooms and events brings unwanted traffic and noise and threatens their rural quality of life. In response, county supervisors and planning officials are working to establish new guidelines for winery events.

Listen Now:

Host: Michael Krasny

Guests:

  • Corey Beck, president of Francis Ford Coppola Winery; former board president of the Sonoma County Vintners
  • James Gore, member of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors representing the 4th district, which runs from northern Santa Rosa to the Mendocino County line
  • Judith Olney, co-chair of Preserve Rural Sonoma County; chair of the Westside Community Association planning and zoning committee; board member of the Clean Water Coalition
  • Kerry Fugett, executive director, Sonoma County Conservation Action
  • Vicky Farrow, owner, Amista Vineyards