Stokes - Hall

Flames blacken historic Doe Mill vineyardBy HEATHER HACKING- Staff WriterPosted: 06/17/2008 12:17:41 AM PDTAmong the blackened hillsides that burned in the most recent fires in Butte County, about 40 acres of zinfandel vines were scorched. The Hall family had 80 acres of wine grapes planted on a high ridge between Little Chico Creek and Butte Creek canyons, on Doe Mill Road off Santos Ranch Road. About 40 acres were devastated by fire Friday, or about 20,000 plants, said Todd Hall, whose brothers and mother and Chico accountant Howard Isom have ownership of about 3,000 acres, including the 80 acres in wine grapes. Some of the vines may survive, but it's too early to know for sure, Hall said Monday. He said there were helicopters fighting the fire and about 100 firefighters Friday. "They were trying to save the vineyard. When it blew through the bottom half (of the land) there was not much we could do," he said. But during the fire, the firefighters were able to save about half of the plantings. "You don't know how much more that meant. Our glass became half full when they moved down there," and saved that part of the vineyard, Hall said. Zinfandel vineyards older than 40 years are highly prized and the term "old vine zinfandel" applies, he explained. "When we started saving that second half, we were very happy." The Halls don't sell wine, but harvest grapes for a private reserve label. The family also sells some of their grapes in Northern California. The family previously had a contract to sell grapes to a winemaker, but the contract fell through. The land owners are working on a plan that would add a winery and tasting room, as well as create a plan for development and open space.The item was at the Planning Commission Friday, but Hall said most of the commission had to leave because of concerns for the fires.It was later that afternoon that the fires changed course, and engulfed the vineyard.The zoning issues will appear again before the county Board of Supervisors next month, Hall said.Staff Writer Heather Hacking can be reached at 896-7758 or at hhacking@chicoer.com.Staff Writer Heather Hacking can be reached at 896-7758 or at hhacking@chicoer.com.