VASCM: Asking Assistance to Counter Protest at ABC of Our Winery

[Jeff Griffin]

Hi VASCM,For those of you who are willing, we would like to ask afavor.  As some of you know, we have beentrying to get our winery permitted and bonded. At this point, the TTB has approved us, but our permitting with theCalifornia ABC is held up due to a protest by our next door neighbor.  His protest focuses on two issues:  (1) the winery’s water usage and how thismight negatively affect the aquifer; and (2) potential winery traffic on our shareddriveway, an easement on his land.  Toaddress the traffic issue, we have worked with the ABC toward a conditionallicense that prohibits us from having a tasting room and retail sales to thepublic.  Regarding the water issue, we donot expect to exceed 750 cases and don’t believe our water usage willnegatively affect the aquafer.  This hasnot dissuaded the protestor and he will not withdraw the protest.
  Our examiner at ABC is Marilyn Lefler (marilyn.lefler at abc.ca.gov).  She let me know that she is unsure of ourprospects, although she is recommending that we be approved.  She says that emails from supporters willhelp her put together our case to be presented to a judge.  If you would be so kind as to write to her,here are some of the key points that you might raise:
1.      Wineries have a long and positive history in theSanta Cruz Mountains.2.      Wineries such as ours contribute to the economyand vitality of the region.3.      This winery, formerly Noble Hill Winery, has ahistory, starting in 1981, of positive relations among wineries and customers.4.      Wineries do not use enormous amounts of water.5.      For those of you who know us, your impressions ofus as people who are dedicated to building a professional winery and products.6.      The traffic at a small winery without a tastingroom or retail sales would be insignificant.
Your help and support would be very much appreciated and we wouldgratefully accept any advice on getting through a protest from those of youwould similar experience.
Jeff & Claudia GriffinGriffin Hill Vineyards, LLC650-799-3327
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