This last Sunday, June 16th, the Yucaipa Valley Wine Alliance and the City of Yucaipa signed a historic partnership, solidifying the City’s support for the growth of a Yucaipa Valley Wine Industry.
This signing comes just weeks after the official, and final resubmission of the Yucaipa Valley AVA Petition to the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau. The document, co-authored by YVWA President Craig Suveg, YVWA Director Devin Cohen, and Geo-technical engineer John Leuer, will function as the foundation for the Yucaipa Valley Wine Industry, allowing vintners to use Yucaipa grown grape in the commercial production of wine.
President Craig Suveg, Mayor of Yucaipa Bobby Duncan, and Councilwoman Denise Allen were all present for the signing at Suveg Cellars California Street Tasting Room this last Sunday.
“People have asked Devin and I why we’re doing this,” stated YVWA President Craig Suveg. “They asked us why we are bringing a wine industry to the Yucaipa Valley. And the answer to us was simple: it’s the right thing to do.”
Mayor Bobby Duncan echoed Suveg’s sentiments. “An AVA is the greatest economic opportunity the City of Yucaipa has ever had. If we can make this happen through a partnership with the City and the Yucaipa (Valley) Wine Alliance, it will be bigger than we can put into words here today.'“
Councilwoman Allen also stated her support for the partnership and the growth of a wine industry in the Yucaipa Valley. “Vineyards are the right way to maintain the agricultural heritage of the Yucaipa Valley, and keep the agricultural focus that has been part of the Yucaipa Valley forever.”
The signed partnership will be the beginning of a cooperative relationship between the YVWA and the City of Yucaipa to support awareness around the wine industry, co-sponsor wine industry and community events, and create initiatives and policies to accelerate viticulture in the Yucaipa Valley over the coming years.
One such cooperative event is an extension of Friday Night events in Uptown Yucaipa. The California Nights series will begin Friday July 12th, where the Yucaipa Valley Wine Alliance will bring in live jazz and high quality vendors to California Street for the coming 6 Friday nights.
The YVWA and City of Yucaipa will also co-sponsor a speaker’s series in November that brings in industry professionals to discuss the development of the Yucaipa Valley as a wine region.
Additionally, the City will co-sponsor and co-market the YVWA Summer Gala, a live auction fundraiser and the first major event held inside the City of Yucaipa’s brand new Performing Arts Center. All funds raised will go toward the development of a Yucaipa Valley Wine Industry, supporting educational partnerships, business and economic development efforts, and new services provided by the YVWA. To attend the Summer Gala and join the movement to build a wine industry in the Yucaipa Valley, reserve your tickets by clicking the link below.
P.S. WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING AN IMPORTANT CAMPAIGN AT THE SUMMER GALA, AND TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS YOU NEED TO BE THERE!