Vine Smuggler No Hero To Growers & Nurseries

A recent article on John Caldwell: “The Smuggler of Napa Valley,” didn’t set very well with many who make their living where the vine meets with the dirt.

We heard from university researchers who were outraged because casually moving rootstock around can spread all sorts of vine diseases. We heard similar complaints from growers and those in the rootstock nursery business.

Most were unwilling to go on the record.

Most except for Glen and Terrie Stoller, owners of Sunridge Nurseries , who left the following comment on the article page:

“Let’s not forget that what “John Caldwell, The Smuggler” did was blatantly illegal.

“There was the possibility that the plant material he brought into the US could have had pests and disease that could have devastated the grape industry.

“He brought the material in disguised in shoe boxes as his occupation was selling shoes.

“The US has authorized grape importation centers that allow us to bring in plant material legally.

“He lied and deceived CDFA and USDA APHIS, but was never prosecuted.”