President’s Letter

Dear Members,

When a group of Napa Valley residents founded the Napa Valley Wine Library Association in 1963, little did they realize the 17 wineries then in Napa Valley would grow to over 500 today. The Association’s interest and goal, however, is still to provide a resource for learning more about wine, particularly Napa Valley wines, and the individuals who produce them.

NVWLA gave the first classes in wine appreciation in Napa Valley and continues to tell the story of these wines through special events, a members’ REPORT published twice a year, and contributions to a collection of rare and new books, photographs, oral histories, and other materials of the St. Helena Public Library. The collection is housed in a wing the Association helped build and now the new St. Helena Public Library Foundation has established a subendowment in support of Wine Library archival materials.

Our 20th Varietal Seminar, devoted to Cabernet varieties promises to be one of the best seminars we have done. There are only 70 places so please respond quickly when you receive the detailed description and registration form. The 48th Annual Tasting is a further celebration of Cabernet. We are expecting 100 wineries, arranged by the appellation of the wine they pour, to present their Napa Valley Cabernet varieties and blends. The Tasting is a great opportunity to be introduced to new wines and wineries and renew relationships with old favorites. In addition to the Seminar and Tasting, we are cohosting the Third Annual Books on Wine Festival with St Helena Public Library. Authors are being invited to participate as I write and details will be posted on our website and on the public library’s, at www.napawinelibrary.com and www.shpl.org, respectively. A tour later this year of some of the newer Cabernet wineries is in its formative stages. Watch for the details and an invitation on our website and via email to visit a select number of innovative Napa Valley Houses of Cab.

Several of our board members have been working on a pilot website that will provide a comprehensive, interactive online history of Napa Valley wineries and vineyards and the individuals who created them. This site should be available soon to visit and take part in.

Because of rising costs, especially postage, we have increased membership dues to $75.00 (still $60 if you renew by April 15). I know current economic conditions are a concern for us all, but I hope you will renew your membership and help us continue to bring you great wine tasting opportunities as we look after the history of our Valley’s development into one of the world’s premier wine growing regions. I also urge you to provide us with your email address so that we can reach you more easily and economically via the Internet: info@napawinelibrary.org. I look forward to seeing you at our events this year.

Bob Long, President