Responding to unfair accusations
Dave DiCesaris • 11.27.23
No, Randy Dunn (as he stated in a recent letter to the editor), Le Colline is not owned by an “ill-advised land speculator.” Actually, Kathleen and I are a husband-and-wife team with a 30-year history here in Napa Valley.
We have worked with and have learned from some of the Valley’s most iconic vintners and growers. Additionally, we’ve been part of the working world of winemaking for the last nine years, producing and selling a critically acclaimed Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. The purpose of Le Colline was not to speculate in land as you assert, but for my wife and I to return to our roots, nurture a vineyard to support our small business, produce a wine and make a living, just like you.
People are now contacting us concerned about what could happen if a portion of our property can’t become a vineyard. While there is no shortage of ideas, Kathleen and I still believe some version of Le Colline with the fire mitigation, erosion control, and net-zero carbon emission benefits we’ve designed is the best use of the property.
We firmly believe the science supports the conclusion that Ag in accordance with the existing rules enhances environmental and community protections while preserving a disproportionate amount of open space in perpetuity. To us, Ag owners such as yourself fighting against the very thing that gives you and all of us the way of life we have come to enjoy is something we will never understand, especially considering the unintended consequences of Ag owners lobbying to abrogate other people’s right to farm their property.
As I said to you many years ago, let’s work together to find an alternative vineyard project that synchronizes with your community. And for the record, “land speculators” is exactly the opposite of who we are.
~ Dave DiCesaris