I would like to hear the answer to David's question. The problem is defining what constitutes the "true" Sonoma Coast; certainly not anything close to Petaluma etc. What I would hate to see would be vineyards planted where there is insufficient water, forced dry farming, and the likelihood, between water shortage and weather, of failed crop years and eventually abandoned vineyards. Bad for an investor, but worse if truly historic trees were removed to get there.

Wish I had that stat as I sit here, but my opinion is that the percentage of hillsides actually planted in Napa is very small and this would likely be the casse there as well. There does seem to be this movement toward the all vineyards are bad position. Despite the bad press, there are lots of responsible farmers around, whether they be farming grapes, peaches or whatever.

Welcome to the wonderful world of on-line wine craziness Mr. Stotesbery.

Pat and his wife Anne are the proprietors of Ladera vineyards are imo two of the nicest people in the Napa Valley.laderavineyards.com
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The last time I was chatting about this was over a year ago at breakfast in Guerneville (sp?). The debate iirc was around a couple of points.

A. Big corporate entity that makes "grocery store" wine buys a large chunk of land and wants to tear down old trees and plant grapes.

B. Housing developer wants to buy a chunk of land that has both trees and vineyards on it and buildexpensive houses. Each house would have its own vineyard.

C. The little grower wants to buy some land next door to his vineyard and tear down some trees to be able to grow more grapes.

IIRC one of Merry Edwards grape sources (Windsor Gardens) was recently torn out to build condos.