Gallo Tries To Spin Russian River Rejection

When is losing a vote a positive thing? When you’re part of E&J Gallo’s vast Sonoma County operation.

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers voted 71-to-18 Tuesday to oppose Gallo’s proposal to extend the Russian River Valley Appellation [map of entire AVA] to include their 350-acre block along the 101 freeway in Cotati. But a Gallo spokesman was quoted as being “pleasantly surprised” that only 71 of the associations 245 members had voted against the proposed AVA expansion.

The board of the Russian River Winegrowers association had decided earlier in 2008 to remain “neutral” on Gallo’s request. No data exists on the results of a secret balloting of all members.

Gallo’s request, if approved by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, would add 14,000 acres to the Russian AVA. It would also increase the value of vineyard land included in the AVA as well as grape and wine prices.

Opposition on AVA approval is founded partly on scientific and geographic arguments. Part of Gallo’s proposed appellation (as well as its Two Rock Vineyards) lie in the Russian River watershed and other parts in other watersheds.

A substantial part of the area to the north of Hwy 116 is wetlands, much of which has been slated for an Indian casino. Further, the areas along Hwy 101 are laden with Big Box commercial outlets — Lowe’s, Costco, Home Depot, Target, Walmart and more.

More to come.