Commentary: Regarding the red barn …

Regarding Ray Holley¹s August 24 column, which discussed the Red
Barn at the intersection of Canyon Road and Geyserville Avenue, I
would like to respond to some of Ray¹s comments both as a resident
of Geyserville and as the General Manager of Geyser Peak
Winery.
The Red Barn has been part of the Hoffman Ranch and part of
Geyser Peak Winery for decades. Its importance to the history of
our area is well known by all of us at Geyser Peak. Over the years,
we have used the barn for storage of vineyard and winery equipment,
used it as our temporary maintenance shop during the expansion of
our barrel cellar and immortalized its image on the face of one of
our wine labels named for the ranch, called Hoffman Grove.
The last two years of intense winter weather have taken a toll
on the already fragile building. We are aware of its condition and
made provisions to provide some much-needed repairs. Our staffing
level in the winery maintenance has been tight over the last 12
months and has, unfortunately, not allowed for these special
projects to be completed.
I can assure all local residents that this project is important
for the winery, both as a matter of pride in the barn¹s history and
because of its place in the community. While we are not certain at
this point what the barn¹s long-term use will be, we are aware that
repairs are needed and intend on addressing these as we are able
to.
I was disappointed to read that Ray had called the winery but
had not reached anyone directly, and also surprised that he knew of
other persons who have called the winery on the topic (I¹ve asked
around at the winery and no one I can find has received a call on
the topic). And, I¹m sorry that Ray didn¹t leave a message to give
him a call, because I¹d be happy to speak with Ray, or anyone else
who¹d like more information about the barn or Geyser Peak. Better
yet, come up to the patio and we can chat over a glass of Sauvignon
Blanc.
My staff and I pride ourselves on being positive, involved and
proactive members of the Geyserville community, so if it¹s a
concern, we want to know about it. We at Geyser Peak are active in
Geyserville and Healdsburg communities, and are significant
contributors to them in many ways. For example, Geyser Peak is the
only local winery I know of that allows its General Manager to be
an active member of the volunteer fire department. Partly due to
that relationship, and supported by our parent company, Beam Wine
Estates, the winery in 2005 and 2006 was able to donate $20,000 to
help build the Geyserville Fire Protection District¹s new fire
station in downtown Geyserville.
Additionally, Geyser Peak and Beam Wine Estates routinely make
substantial contributions to support local charities. In fact, in
2005 and 2006, we have donated more than $100,000 in wine and cash
to charities in the immediate Geyserville and Healdsburg areas,
including the Healdsburg Education Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of
Healdsburg and benefit events for the Healdsburg Food Pantry, the
Hispanic Chamber, the 4-H Club and others.
Geyser Peak Winery participates in many other community events
as well by donating our picnic grounds for local events, including
the Geyserville May Day Festival, Geyserville Volunteer
Firefighter¹s Association, and the Alexander Valley Winegrower¹s
Association events.
We consider ourselves a partner to the community, and recognize
that the upkeep and stewardship of the barn is part of being a good
neighbor. We will address those needs as soon as our staffing and
budget allow, and in the meantime, I invite anyone who has any
concerns to call me directly, at 891-5425.
Chris Munsell is the General Manager of Geyser Peak Winery.