Impact Napa 2015 conference
The eighth annual Impact Napa conference Aug. 19 peered into the county's future in wine, food, environment and community development.
The conference was headlined by an exclusive interview with iconic vintner Agustin Huneeus conducted by attorney, author and metal sculptor Richard Mendelson. Currently, Mendelson is writing a book on the recent history of the Napa Valley appellation 'but also recounting the spirit and the culture of our valley,' he said.
'Our goal with this Vision 2025 conference is to have a high-level and entertaining discussion about what Napa County might look like over the next decade, whether it is the impact of the Winery Definition Ordinance, the continuing influence of fine food, preserving the environment and sustaining strong, affordable communities,' said Business Journal Publisher Brad Bollinger.
The conference was underwritten by Bank of Marin and Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty.
Other panelists included Ken Frank, executive chef and owner of La Toque in Napa; David Graves, co-founder of Saintsbury winery; Laurel Marcus, executive director of the California Land Stewardship Institute; and Keith Rogal, partner in Rogal+ Walsh + Mol and developer of Napa Pipe. Mendelson will moderate the panel.
'Richard has been conducting many interviews with a broad range of Napa Valley residents for his book and brings unique and current knowledge to the discussion of Napa past, present and future,' Mr. Bollinger said. 'The conference offers a singular opportunity to hear about what Richard has been discovering and to listen and interact with some of the valley's most thoughtful leaders in wine, food, the environment and building communities.'
Agustin Huneeus has been an active player in the rise of fine wine in both hemispheres of the Americas over six decades. He spoke with the Journal and Napa Valley attorney-author Richard Mendelson about the role of place in fine wine and trends in land-use policy in Napa Valley and Chile.
//www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/northbay/napacounty/4364314-181/tough-decisions-needed-for-napa">Tough action needed for Napa Valley future: experts
Napa Valley has become the toast of the world for its wine, food and culture, but keys to that success could prove stifling in the next decade unless the community and its leaders start making tough choices now, according to local experts in wine, environmental protection and food at a Napa conference.
