| Contra Costa County, CA | November 4, 2008 Election |
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VineyardsBy Kevin RomickCandidate for Council Member; City of Oakley |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
Oakley still has vineyardsOakley still has vineyards; most have been here since the late 1800's. Early Portuguese and Italian immigrants found a climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean one they left behind and planted thousands of acres of vineyards. Some of the oldest, over a 100 years old and rarest grapevines in California are still producing here in Oakley. Today, due to past diseases and development encroachment the acreage has dropped dramatically. However, there remain pockets of vineyards located throughout our community. These vineyards plant varietals such as Ancient Vine Carignane, Rose Peru, Tokay, Rhône, Ancient Vine Mourvedre and Ancient Vines Zinfandel. The majority of these grapes are shipped out of Oakley to wineries owned by Cline and Rosenblum. To ensure that viticulture is not left in the dust bins of history the City is taking steps to retain an active grape industry. The Planning Commission recently approved a development plan for a 450-square-foot wine tasting facility, a picnic area and a small sales area located at 2141 O'Hara Ave. The project will be called "Tre Sorelle", which means the "Three Sisters". The name is for the Ghilarducci sisters, whose family has worked the vineyards since 1940's. The project intends to expand in the future to include a small outdoor event center where weddings, receptions and other celebrations may occur. The City has also had discussions with a number of vineyard owners who have expressed an interest in placing wineries on their vineyards. The Agricultural - Natural Resources Trust of Contra Costa County (ANRT), a non-profit public benefit corporation formed by the Board of Supervisors in May, 1997 with the intent to conserve the agricultural heritage and natural resources of Contra Costa County, has also participated in some of these discussions. |
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