Created in April 1968, the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve became America’s first agricultural preserve, and is one of the primary reasons why the Napa Valley is, and will remain, a world-famous wine-growing region for generations to come.

For more than 50 years, hundreds of wine growers, vintners, local leaders and residents have worked to preserve the natural beauty and agricultural profile of the Napa Valley with the creation and continued support of the Ag Preserve. According to the biannual visitor profile study conducted by Visit Napa Valley, the region’s official tourism marketing organization, the scenic beauty of the Napa Valley is second only to wine as to what appeals most to visitors.

Below is a highlight on how Napa Valley attractions, wineries, lodging properties, and restaurants are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the preserve. For additional information on the Ag Preserve, visit www.napaagpreserve.org.

The Napa Valley Museum Yountville will present the exhibit "50 Years of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve" July 7 through August 19, 2018 in its Spotlight Gallery, showcasing the history of Napa Valley’s Agricultural Preserve. This interactive exhibit, with bilingual (English and Spanish) components, will inform and educate museum visitors about the History of the Agricultural Preserve including its key players, why and how it was initiated, describe the major challenges and successes of the last 50 years, and provide a view into its future priorities and anticipated challenges. The Museum also plans some related special events, including an exhibition opening reception, a panel discussion, and educational workshops. The exhibit will coincide with the museum’s Main Gallery exhibit: “Herrero: Origins of an Original” celebrating the work of the iconic Napa Valley artist on the ten-year anniversary of the last retrospective of his work. Admission to the Spotlight Gallery is included with Museum General Admission, which is currently $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and children; no admission charge for members, active Military and residents of the California State Veterans Home.
Website: www.napavalleymuseum.org
Media contact: Laura Rafaty laura@napavalleymuseum.org

During the month of April 2018, passengers on Napa Valley Aloft will learn historical information on the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve from the balloon pilots during their flight, as well as point out key geographical markers from above. In addition, guests who mention Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve’s 50th Anniversary will receive a 20 percent discount off of their flight.  
Website: www.nvaloft.com
Media contact: Michelle Dickson, ballooning@nvaloft.com

Alpha Omega Winery & Beckstoffer Vineyards team up to celebrate the Ag Preserve on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Celebrated grape grower Andy Beckstoffer, who was instrumental in the Ag Preserve, and Alpha Omega’s renowned winemaker Jean Hoefliger will lead a tour and tasting at historic Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in Rutherford, where in 2009, 181 acres were placed under a land conservation easement that forever prohibits non-agriculture development. The Alpha Omega Foundation will donate 100 percent of tickets sold to local nonprofits to help those affected by the wildfires. Tickets are $100 per person and limited to 20 guests.
Website: www.aowinery.com
Media contact: Kelly E. Carter, kelly@aowinery.com

V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena will honor the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve’s 50th Anniversary throughout 2018 with daily educational vineyard tours, where guests are guided into the heart of the winery’s organically farmed Vittorio’s Vineyard and educated on the history of the Ag Preserve along with what it means to be a responsible steward of the land. Tours include details about fish-friendly farming, organic farming, Napa Green, and V. Sattui’s many acres of conservation easements donated to the Napa Land Trust.
Website: www.vsattui.com
Media contact: Ali Paterson, ali@vsattui.com

During the month of April 2018, Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga will celebrate the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve’s 50th anniversary by providing information on the preserve and its impact on the Napa Valley for guests who visit the winery.  A giant banner acknowledging the Ag Preserve’s landmark anniversary will also hang on the Castle’s outer-wall.
Website: www.castellodiamorosa.com
Media contact: Michala Jeberg, mjeberg@castellodiamorosa.com

During the month of April 2018, Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa will showcase the 50th Anniversary of the Ag Preserve video in each of its 275 guestrooms. The hotel restaurant will also celebrate by creating a special Farm to Fork menu item and Grain to Glass cocktail in VIN11 restaurant.
Website: www.napavalleymarriott.com
Media contact: Sonny Kerstiens, sonny.kerstiens@sagehospitality.com

Napa Noodles will honor the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve’s 50th anniversary by donating corkage fees collected during April 2018 to the Jack L. Davies Ag Fund, which helps preserve, protect, and promote agricultural land in the Napa Valley. Guests will also receive printed information on the history of the Ag Preserve.
Website: www.napanoodles.com
Media contact: Rachel Jew, napanoodles@gmail.com