Resistance is growing, particularly in the western part of the county where pinot noir and chardonnay are replacing Gravensteins and redwoods. The vineyards bring changes in the landscape and the culture. Click here to see a larger version of this photo. Critics say an industry that once struggled for recognition is now attracting corporate money that is changing both the flavor of farming and the face of the farmer. I support the growing of wine in this county.
Vineyards have an important place.
My concern is the scale. Such concern is echoed by about half the poll respondents, who said they are worried that too much acreage could be devoted to grapes in the future. Vineyard viewpoints Noneheless, enthusiasm for the wine culture is high, and some 91 percent of those surveyed believe the Wine Country image is good for Sonoma County. In The Press Democrat Poll, conducted Sept. 7-16 by Richard Hertz Consulting of Bodega Bay, respondents cited the economic benefits of tourism and jobs through winemaking and grape growing. The wine culture is a recent trend in Sonoma County's history, coinciding with the county's transformation from backwater jug-wine purveyor to wine superpower.