Myth of the family winery debunked? Tuesday, 15th December 2009 Source : Margie Tosch

The Marin Institute has issued a 'report' calling family wineries are a myth!

They state that the California wine industry promotes a false image of small mom and pop vintners in picturesque, rolling hills and valleys of Napa, Sonoma, and around the state. Their claim is that "California wine is synonymous with Big Alcohol."

Self proclaimed anti-alcohol superheros, they are out to save us - from ourselves. Their goal?

"Marin Institute fights to protect the public from the impact of the alcohol industry’s negative practices. We monitor and expose the alcohol industry’s harmful actions related to products, promotions and social influence, and support communities in their efforts to reject these damaging activities."  Basically, they are prohibitionists.

I don't know about you, but I don't feel that I need saving...

Perhaps all you "non-existent" family wineries should let them now you are out there! Email the Marin Institute at info@marininstitute.org and/or email the author of the report, Sarah Mart at sarah@marininstitute.org or call them at 415-456-5692.

Maybe you even want to send them a lovely bottle of wine - I think they could use a glass or two!

Download and read the complete report in a new window via the link below:

www.marininstitute.org/site/images/stories/pdfs/winemythreport.pdf

www.otlconsulting.com