In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed construction of a 52,000 square foot wine factory by Duckhorn Portfolio in Napa Valley's Ag Preserve. The factory's design has been confirmed, but community members are urging the company to reconsider its impact on local traffic and the environment.

Residents expressed frustration over a lack of communication from Duckhorn's board of directors, particularly after families invested in the company with hopes of it becoming publicly traded. Despite letters sent last fall, no responses have been received, raising questions about the company's accountability to its shareholders.

A critical point of contention is the outdated traffic studies used to assess the project's impact. The most recent study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, does not accurately reflect current traffic conditions on Lodi Lane, Highway 29, or Silverado Trail. Community members highlighted the dangers posed by the T-intersection of Lodi Lane and Silverado Trail, where visibility is limited due to a blind curve, creating hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.

The narrow, 0.7-mile Lodi Lane, built in 1930, is already burdened by traffic from local wineries and the Wine Country Inn, which hosts thousands of guests annually. With an estimated 5,000 visitors to nearby wineries each week, the addition of heavy tanker trucks servicing the new factory could exacerbate safety concerns for cyclists, runners, and families who use the road.

Residents are questioning the decision to utilize protected Ag Preserve land for an industrial facility, especially given the availability of non-Ag land in Napa County. They argue that the project threatens the rural quality of life and safety of those living nearby.

In light of these concerns, community members are calling for a comprehensive review of Duckhorn's traffic studies and a more inclusive decision-making process that considers public input. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further public comments, indicating ongoing community engagement in the matter.