President’s Letter

Dear Members,

Six years as board treasurer have somewhat prepared me to become president of this organization. And, I have Julie Dickson’s excellent example. She ably served as president for three terms. I have also worked with a number of our board members on the annual tasting, and look forward to serving a very dedicated board.

Jim Cross took the cover photograph for this Report from within the St. Helena Public Library. Not only is this view a favorite of library visitors, it is also the source of our Turley Vineyards “Barney’s Backyard” Petite Syrah, which we donate to local education events. We are relieved to report that the city council has tabled proposals to develop this parcel (owned by the city) and will elicit further public opinion. We intend to advocate vigorously for preservation of both the view and the fine old vineyard.

Please welcome new board members, Craig Root and Carolyn Martini. Carolyn and her family have supported the Wine Library since its inception, and we are glad Carolyn has made time for our board. Craig specializes in tasting room design and management, consults, and has taught for many years at UC Davis Extension. He has already begun familiarizing winery tasting room staff with our collections.

Soon to become part of the collections are journals from 1961 to 1987, kept by the late Nathan Fay, a Valley legend (Dick Lyon’s photograph is on exhibit in the library, and an interview is among our oral histories). Journals detail Nathan’s work as a winegrower and the many individuals with whom he consulted. Today, when data of uncertain origins are readily obtained over the Internet, unique archival material such as the Fay journals are a matchless source of information. Our thanks to Mary Jane Fay for her fine gift.

In March, seventy wine writers met at Meadowood Resort for the second annual Wine Writers Symposium, organized by Toni Allegra. Toni was gracious enough to acquaint the writers with our collections, and an exhibit and reception at the library are planned for next year.

We look forward to seeing you at our 44th Annual Tasting, “The Year of Alternative Reds” at Silverado Country Club, chaired by Bob Long, and at our 16th Varietal Seminar, at Copia, chaired by John Skupny. So many changes have occurred in red winegrowing in Napa Valley, both events, John assures me, will be cutting-edge in the varietals that are represented. I hope you will join us,

Kevin Alfaro, President

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