Wine Spectator: Napa Valley Versus Napa Valley

Napa Valley is renowned for its premium wines and grand estates. Four million tourists visit annually. While many visit the gleaming tasting rooms and cellars of corporate-owned wine brands, plenty of small family wineries still make up the fabric of the valley. In 2015, 68% of Napa wineries produced fewer than 20,000 cases per year.

But there is a growing concern that the county is not supporting its biggest economic draw, especially when it comes to small wineries. Multiple parties have filed lawsuits over use permits and water rights. Many small winery owners are grumbling of grievances with the county government, including approvals for new construction and wastewater treatment upgrades. There’s also a federal investigation over possible corruption in the permitting process. Wine Spectator has the full story.

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