Dear Friends,
Forman Vineyard was spared, but not without an enormous anxiety-filled effort. My wife, Cheryl, and I stayed as long as we dared as flames approached. Cheryl helped me haul a fire hose fed from a pump in the pool. We did our best to soak the surroundings and then had to leave, almost certain that this would be the last time we would see our property whole again – gut wrenching!
A very courageous group of firefighters (hired after the 2017 fire experience) thankfully took over and miraculously saved the winery using the water enhancer gel, “Thermo-Gel.” Fifty foot flames surrounded the winery on all sides incinerating the dry forest around the buildings. Nothing dry in it’s path was spared except the winery and a still green vineyard. Thankfully, all grapes had already been harvested. Truly a miracle! We now must begin the massive job of replacing hundreds of feet of burned water and electric lines that extend through the burned forest to the water tanks and well.
Forman wine from the 2020 vintage will be dubbed “The Miracle Wine.” It survived smoke taint due to our plateaued perch above the valley floor and below the upper ridges of the Howell Mountain smoke from the fire 3 weeks ago. The property over the last 37 years has never ceased to amaze me – a magical place even under these extraordinary circumstances.
This is an historic event for the Napa Valley. One light at the end – we probably will not see a major fire in our area for a long time – not much kindling left.
Thank God and all of those who have helped and given moral support. We love you all from the depth of our hearts and are so very, very sorry for those who have not fared as well during this devastatingly sad event.
Sincerely,
Ric