1/22/2010 - St Helena, CA--In true Napa Valley style, the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association christened its new home with sparkling wine, toasts and well-wishes hosting nearly two hundred winery members assembled for the momentous occasion on Wednesday, January 20th. A mass fountain of bursting wine bubbles was sprayed on the new building by past presidents of the board of directors, past chairs of Premiere Napa Valley and past chairs of the building search committee in a loosely choreographed ceremony.
The past presidents and chairs were wearing brightly colored ribbons with keys attached around their necks to honor their efforts in bringing the new building to fruition. Much-needed rain fell all day, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of so many who had worked for nearly fifteen years to see this day come when the renowned group would finally have a permanent home for its day-to-day operations, as well as headquarters for its annual fundraiser, Auction Napa Valley.
NVV Board President Paula Kornell welcomed the members to their new home toasting the pioneering spirit of the Jackse Winery founder, "as a man who knew that Napa Valley wine belonged on the table even during Prohibition--and that sprit lives on here today."
Dan Duckhorn of Duckhorn Vineyards and the first chair of Premiere Napa Valley (PNV) in 1997, the NVVs trade-only barrel futures fundraiser, said, "We have been saving for this day for thirteen years and we should all be proud to call this place home." PNV, known as the association's annual "bake sale" has been raising funds for not only the building's construction, but for promotion and protection efforts of the Napa Valley appellation and its wines.
The following day, Thursday, January 21st the Vintners welcomed members of the community for an open house and ribbon cutting that included Mayor Del Britton of St Helena, Napa County Board of Supervisors and vintners among more than one hundred other guests. Manning the giant scissors at the ribbon were NVV board members Paula Kornell, Bob Torres, and Bruce Cakebread, Supervisor Diane Dillon, and Mayor Del Britton.
Bruce Cakebread of Cakebread Cellars said, "This is a great day and a great week for celebrating the NVV's new home--it will surely become the center of the Napa Valley wine industry--cheers!"
The new office building is the historic Jackse Winery was built by Austrian immigrant and winemaker Stephen Jackse beginning in 1905. The former winery operated until 1951, when Stephen Jackse, Jr. ceased wine production. The facility continued on as a foundry, a basket company and finally storage before the trade group purchased the property in late 2008 and began renovation in March 2009.
Members of the historical society have continued to offer photos of the Jackse family, the winery and antidotes as the project continued. Jackse's daughter, Josephine, was crowned Miss Napa Valley 1927 on the 4th of July that year, and Mr. Jackse lived to be more than 100 years old as reported in the St Helena Star. One vintner offered a now-antique bottle corker that he had procured from the old winery which is now on display in the new offices.
Jackse, one of the few vintners arrested during Prohibition was instrumental in forming the Wine Producers Association when repealed
"We are happy to have saved a piece of the Napa Valley's history by converting the winery into a permanent home for the now 65-year-old organization," said Bob Torres of Trinchero Napa Valley and chair of the group's building committee. "Our building committee had a great time working on the project, which we are proud to say, came in on time and under budget!"
About the project
Designed by the Architectural Resources Group
General contractor Napa Valley's Andrews and Thornley
The original barn's structure was preserved and reinforced during the renovation. Additions to the original footprint are differentiated from the historical sections by the use of the metal siding. Extensive use of original materials for interior finishes, including a reuse of all salvageable wood and original roofing materials along with winery artifacts were incorporated into the design.
This early 20th century barn is now a 21st century building that was designed and built to achieve LEED certification. Some of the green building and energy efficient features include: solar panels and geothermal heat and cooling, and extensive use of sustainable building materials and practices. Low-tech solutions used to achieve this green standard of construction include use of ground "blue jean" cotton insulation, certified sustainable lumber, cork flooring, and low-energy electronics and lighting.
On the grounds, the landscaping features low-water plant materials including more than 300 shrubs and 42 new trees that support the City of St Helena's Tree City USA program. Additionally, the landscaping employs extensive on-site water and sedimentation retention measures, such as bio-swales and semi-pervious paving materials.
The building was completed in December 2009 and opened as the permanent home for the trade association in January 2010. It stands with respect to its past, as a model for green businesses, and as a good neighbor representing Napa Valley's wine industry for generations to follow.
About the Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. The organization began with seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents 375 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com.
Click to view Photo Gallery from the festivities
Contact: Terry Hall, Communications Director 707-968-4217 thall@napavintners.com
Receive updates about Napa Valley wine and events.
