Fell forests to make wine? Debate in Calif.

Activists unhappy with proposed curbs
The proposed county ordinance would ban vineyards from displacing redwoods and Douglas firs that produce high-quality wood products. Land with other trees could be developed, but only if it benefits the public and the landowner plants two acres of high-quality timberland for every acre of grapes.

Supervisor Reilly said Sonoma County would become the first California county to regulate timberland conversions. Premium Pacific Vineyards has endorsed the proposed rules, but opponents say the rules don’t go far enough.

“The county ordinance as it’s written has been watered down to the point where it really doesn’t protect forests,” said John Holland, president of Friends of the Gualala River. “What’s at stake is whether a redwood ecosystem that’s taken thousands of years to develop will exist or be eliminated.”

Fears of a glut
Some Sonoma County wine growers are worried that planting more pinot vineyards could result in a glut of high-end wines.

Nick Frey, who heads the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, said 10,000 of the county’s 60,000 acres of vineyards already grow pinot noir grapes, and they face plenty of competition from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. He said wines over $25 a bottle only make up 4 percent of the U.S. wine market, of which high-end pinot makes up only a tiny slice.

“We always have to remember that we’re selling into a very small market,” Frey said. “Pinot noir is really hot right now ... but that could change. You could be one crop away from having excessive supply.”

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