big wine

Custom winery coming to Windsor

Europeans realized many, many years ago that to keep quality of life for rural residents that tourism activities should be in centralized locales. This new crush/tasting venue is off Hwy 101 and will give the smaller producers a chance to compete with big conglomerates without breaking the bank. The DArgenizo tasting room in Santa Rosa supports …

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It’s the water rights and not the vineyards in Paso Robles

Water & Power: A California Heist – Sneak Peek | National Geographic – YouTube Financiers are buying up vineyards in Central California, Paso Robles area not for the grapes but for water rights so they can sell back to the residents their water. Paso Robles several years ago, in light of dry wells and falling …

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Are Sonoma County roads becoming inebriation highways? by Judith Olney

When our Supervisors take the oath of office, protecting the health, welfare and safety of the public is part of the oath. We have seen years of terrible land use policies obliterating our rural areas and promoting industrialized “agriculture” lands (96% of our food is imported according to GoLocal). We totally agree with Judith’s “spot …

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Preserve Rural Sonoma County

To: Letters to the Editor: More is Not Sustainable

In response to the Press Democrat’s article, Sonoma Valley Growth Sparks Debate, http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/6553038-181/sonoma-valley-growth-sparks-debate?artslide=0 documenting the many impacts of tourism and winery events that are out of control. Neighborhoods should not be collateral damage in the race for profits. Communities should be FIRST. Economies based on tourism are the first to fall flat and the last to …

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Sonoma Gets Its (Toxics) Closeup: What’s On Those Vines? by Pam Strayer

It is important to know what is in our wine. We are reposting in case you missed it the first time. Thanks to Pam and her hard work…and for sharing. Here is an eye opening assessment report on the winegrowers ‘sustainability’ meeting by Pam Strayer, a leading specialist on organic and bio-dynamic wines. Originally published: Organic Wines Uncorked …

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‘Sustainable’ Sonoma wine could fetch $7-a-bottle more, survey says

Can we just stop the greenwashing now? The industry will never be sustainable using copious amounts of chemicals and depleting groundwater resources. We may not be in a drought today but what about next year?   http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/industrynews/6542237-181/sustainable-sonoma-wine-consumer-sales ‘Sustainable’ Sonoma wine could fetch $7-a-bottle more, survey says JEFF QUACKENBUSH NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL | January 16, …

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