Napa winemakers won't gamble on a casino

NAPA, Calif. (KGO) -- Winemakers and community leaders in Napa Valley are trying to launch a preemptive strike to head off a plan to build a Las Vegas style Indian casino in their county. The plan is in the very early stages.

Napa County officials actually found out about this through an anonymous tip. There have been no formal discussions between the tribe and the county, and many hope it stays that way.

Napa Valley Vintners want people to envision wine, not slot machines and gambling when they ponder a visit.

That's why the vintners, Chamber of Commerce and even the Sierra Club are banding together to send a message that a tribal casino isn't their idea of a good fit for the Napa Valley.

"Purely concerned about protecting our agricultural lands for agriculture. Napa Valley, we're famous for our wine industry, but at the end of the day, it's still agriculture, it's still farming," said Rex Stults with Napa Valley Vintners.

The vintner's received an anonymous tip in the form of a term sheet between the Scotts Valley Band of the Pomo Indians and a Las Vegas developer that proposes to build a casino in one of three counties. Either Solano, Sonoma or Napa.

"I don't think this is the place for a casino, gambling. This is a quiet town. We cater to wine of course, small business," said Christy Beeman of Cache' Salon.

"Napa welcomes everyone," said Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza.

Pedroza insists it's not about trying to preserve an image, but rather its primary designation as an agricultural preserve.

ABC7 News reporter Laura Anthony asked,"Is there a scenario where there could be a casino in Napa county?"

Supervisor Pedroza said, "I think that's the conversation people want to have. But it needs to be done in an environment where everyone understands, we need to have the same goals."

The tribal leader told us any plans to build a casino in the North Bay are very preliminary. Nonetheless, the Napa Valley Vintners are ready to put up $100,000 to head off the effort.

The tribal administrator is meeting in Lakeport about this issue and is expected to issue a statement.