Napa Valley is known for its beautiful scenery
vineyards, and gourmet food scene. The area has
maintained its position as one of America's leading
wine regions through the dedicated stewardship of its
land and the careful nurturing of its local
traditions. Listed in no particular order, the following
are some individuals organizations, and companies that are
passionate about protecting the agriculture history, and community
of this portion of Wine Country.
Beginning the list at # 1 is the
annual Napa Truffle Festival. The event started in
2010 with a vision to bring the European
black truffle to the tables of America Now,
every year, foodies gather from around the globe
to taste and learn about this coveted ingredient
from a group of Michelin star chefs and
experts, all amidst the rolling hills of the
Napa Valley region.
To broaden the community's access to this specialty
food item, the Festival also offers a free
marketplace event that gives the general public an
opportunity to see in-person cooking demos, meet the
truffle dogs, and purchase dishes and goods directly
from the merchants at Oxbow Public Market. Attendees
can explore a truffle orchard, see where and
how the mushroom is harvested, and learn about
the trained animals who find them.
Next up, at # 2 is the Rutherford
Dust Society. It was founded in 19 94
by growers and vintners who sought to pay
tribute to the forebears of the region who,
since the late 19th century, have played a
significant role in the development of Napa Valley
as a renowned wine destination. The group's mission
is to encourage and promote the highest quality
standards in grape growing and wine-making in the
Rutherford Viticultural Area, to be good stewards of
the land, and to foster community.
The Society hosts several annual events that are
meant to bring oenophiles and traders together, and
to highlight the unique expression of the region's
soil. The family-friendly Rutherford Chili Ball features a
cook-off competition between vintners growers firefighters chefs, and
self-proclaimed connoisseurs in the community. All of the
mixers and events are meant to build connections
and promote awareness of the area's vineyards and
wines.
# 3 on the list is Oxbow Public
Market. This 40,000 square-foot marketplace, which includes a
scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa
River, features a diverse mixture of food vendors
cafes, and an organic produce outlet for local
farms. The organizers artisans, and purveyors of this
facility are passionate about sustainable agriculture, local harvest,
and promoting social environmental, and economic equity within
the community.
The Market is not only a place to
display and sell organic and sustainably-produced crops and
regional specialties it also functions as a means
to actively uphold the unique traditions of Napa
Valley and its surrounding regions. To do this,
it provides education, community outreach, and support to
nearby businesses and farms.
At # 4 Napa Green is a comprehensive
environmental certification program for vineyards and wineries. This
group's practices work to protect soils, reduce harmful
inputs to the land, and restore natural habitats.
The members of this association stand together to
show that sustainability and caring for nature elevate
the crop quality and experience for employees customers,
and the community at large.
Napa Green strives to play a pivotal role
in achieving the county's climate action and emissions
reduction goals. To promote this vision, the organization
offers Land and Winery certifications, which provide positive
incentives for local farms and businesses. The programs
implement guides for energy and water saving, combating
land and soil erosion, and more.
Moving on, the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association
is # 5 on our list. This coalition
of wine industry leaders is committed to working
together to advance the heritage and reputation of
the community. The group was formed in 19
75 with the aim of creating an organization
that would focus on sustaining the growing traditions
of the region for years to come. The
founding members strive to give a voice to
the artisans of the valley and set an
important precedent for future generations.
For more than four decades, the individuals who
make up the NVG have been fostering sustainability,
educating the community, and promoting the area as
one of the world's premier wine growing regions.
As a steward of the land and a
resource to its members, the Association provides educational
seminars events, and services that assist growers in
addressing the issues they face, while preserving Napa
Valley's unique heritage for the members of tomorrow.
The # 6 spot goes to the Napa
Valley Vintners. Since 19 44 this non-profit trade
association's mission has been to provide environmental leadership
in the wine-making community. Representing 99% of the
production of all Napa Valley appellation wines, the
group advocates on behalf of its members at
all levels of government. Most of the work
is conducted through the Community and Industry Issues
Committee, a coalition of engaged vintners focused on
doing what's right for the land and its
businesses.
By offering events, special programs, industry advocacy, and
comprehensive member resources, the NVV strives to be
the voice of its local wine community. Its
Napa Neighbor program allows county residents to enjoy
special treatment when visiting participating wineries, a benefit
meant to foster local business and community.
Lastly # 7 on the list is speaker
consultant, and author Karen MacNeil. Considered one of
America's experts on the subject of wine, MacNeil
creates customized events and tours for audiences across
the globe that are accompanied by personally curated
tastings. A former correspondent for the Today Show,
she won an Emmy for the PBS series
Wine, Food and Friends, which she hosted.
In addition to being a bestselling author and
speaker, this professional is also the creator and
Chairman Emeritus of the Rudd Center for Professional
Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America.
The prestigious Center has been called the Harvard
of wine education