INTRODUCTION. 



The present report on the condition of the vineyards of Napa County 

 was undertaken by the Board of State Viticultural Commissioners with 

 a view of ascertaining what decrease in the acreage planted in vines in 

 that county has been caused by the phylloxera in the past two years, 

 as well as to give as much information as possible regarding the success 

 of the various resistant stocks in different soils, etc., and other matters 

 pertaining to viticulture in the county of interest to grape growers, 

 wine makers, and wine merchants. 



In 1890, when the last census was made, Napa County reported 18,229 

 acres planted in vines. The present report shows 16,651-^ acres. It will 

 thus be seen that the decrease has been very considerable. 



The phylloxera is reported to have reached a point about three miles 

 above St. Helena, and it can be but a question of a short time until the 

 Calistoga vineyards suffer as have those of the lower valley. 



At present there are 507 vineyards reported in Napa County, and of 

 these 244, or nearly half, report the existence of phylloxera. This will 

 give an idea of what can be expected to occur to the vineyards of the 

 entire valley within a few years. Wherever resistants have not been 

 planted, the death of the vines appears only a question of a short time. 



In the tables which follow, the acreage reported as infested by 

 phylloxera is certainly misleading, as is also the reported acreage good 

 for one more crop, the acreage that will be dug up for causes other than 

 phylloxera, and probably the cooperage. It is difficult to secure correct 

 information on such points; vineyardists are loth to give such informa- 

 tion, as well as to give information as to stocks of wine on hand. 



The reports of wine stocks were given in confidence. The different 

 cellars reported an aggregate of slightly over 5,000,000 gallons of wine 

 in the valley. The stocks of two cellars in Napa had to be estimated, 

 as well as the cooperage in the same, the owners refusing to supply such 

 information. 



It is naturally to be expected that in making such a canvass errors 

 will occur. If any are noted, the vineyardists affected will please notify 

 me. There is no disposition to do any one injustice, nor to misrepresent 

 any one. Any corrections sent in will be printed, and distributed, for 

 insertion in this book. 



The canvass was made by Mr. A. Warren Robinson, of Napa, under 

 direction of Commissioner E. C. Priber and the Executive Committee 

 of the Board. In this work the following blank was used: 



