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MARCH 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 1
MARCH 2017
Left to right: Stacey Leyson Wilfong, Camille Leyson, Mia Leyson, Lis Leyson, and Larry Sly.
ONE BOOK ONE SCHOOL
By Fran Miller Doug, Isabelle, and Bill English at Meadow View.
GRAPE-GROWING AND WINE-MAKING IN LAMORINDA? YOU BET! By Fran Miller
The weather conditions of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda echo those of Napa Valley. Afternoon fog rolls over the Oakland/Berkeley hills to naturally cool the heat of summer, just as it does over Napa’s Mayacamas mountain range. Heat during the day and cooler temps at night are one of the most distinguishing characteristics of both Lamorinda and the fabled wine growing region just north. If Napa can cultivate legendary grapes for legendary wines under these conditions, surely Lamorinda towns can too. And they do. The area even earned its own AVA distinction (American Viticultural Area) in 2013, due to the efforts of the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association (LWGA) whose members successfully demonstrated that its wine growing region is different and distinct from other AVAs, and that the name, geology, and climate are unique. “It was obvious that Lamorinda was different from other qualified grape growing areas,” says Bill English, Lamorinda Winegrower Association (LWGA) member and proprietor of Meadow View Winery in Moraga. “The older and better known wine growing area in Contra Costa County is in the Oakley/Brentwood area, but it and Lamorinda are very different. Lamorinda is cooler, and has different soil and hillside vineyards.” The Lamorinda AVA boasts approximately 125 vineyards producing mostly Chardonnay, Syrah, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese. Most are located in backyards and are less than an acre. Only a few are visible from public roads. The LWGA and its members promote the Lamorinda AVA and its status as a wine growing region, and seek to enhance marketability of Lamorinda grown grapes and wine. Members also support each other with the exchange of vineyard maintenance and sustainability tips. Of its nearly 20 members, five are bonded, meaning product can be sold in stores and restaurants, and another dozen are hobbyists. English had been making wine for many years as an amateur before going commercial this past year with his Moraga based Meadow View Winery varietals.
SEEWINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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What happens when an entire school of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders reads the same book? At Stanley Middle School, it brings the large student body together as one community, making students feel safer and connected. Students mix and mingle over a shared topic while learning about varied experiences and cultures. And they learn that reading can be fun. Since 2008, Stanley students have participated voluntarily in the school’s One Book One School summer library program, which always culminated in a live or Skype event with the book’s author. In 2012, the program evolved into the entire student body of 1,300 reading the same book. “We have had authors visit us from New York and Tennessee,” says Barbara Stevens,
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DICK AND ROBIN HOLT: CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
Long time residents of Lafayette, Dick and Robin Holt, Lafayette’s 2017 Citizens of the Year, have been individually and collectively “giving back” to the Lafayette community at a pace that is hard to keep up with. Robin has served as PTA President at Happy Valley, President of the Garden Club, and President of the Friends of the Lafayette Library. Dick served for many years on the city’s Planning Commission and Environmental Task Force, and was President of Lafayette Rotary, board member of the Lafayette Community Volume XI - Number 3 Foundation, creator of the Concert at 3000F Danville Blvd #117 the Res, and the inspiration for building Alamo, CA 94507 a permanent stage at the reservoir. As Telephone (925) 405-6397 Robin often says, “Volunteering in our Fax (925) 406-0547 community: it’s what we do.” editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The “Citizen of the Year” dinner is Corstorphine ~ Publisher sponsored by the Lafayette Chamber TheAlisa opinions expressed herein belong to the of Commerce and Lamorinda Weekly. writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of LaToday. Lafayette Today is not responsible The event takes place at the Lafayette fayette for the content of any of the advertising herein,
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nor does publication imply endorsement.