Gallo Vineyard Expansion

Gallo Vineyards is proposing to construct a 350 acre-foot irrigation reservoir, grade over 900,000 cubic yards of earth, remove 320+ oak trees and create new vineyards on slopes in excess of 15%.

Quick Facts

  • The project includes creation of an irrigation reservoir, significant grading, removal of native oak trees, and new vineyards.
  • County of Monterey is the lead agency.
  • The project was guided by the Monterey County General Plan of 1982.

Project Status

  • There are two grading permits (in 2004 and 2011) associated with this vineyard. The 2011 permit expired without grading action taken by the permittee.
  • The Planning Commission approved the project in June 2003.
  • The Mitigated Negative Declaration was approved by the Planning Commission in June 2003.

Resources at Risk

  • Lack of Adequate Environmental Review
    The California Environmental Quality Act requires a full EIR where there “might” be adverse environmental impacts. The Gallo proposal to expand a South Monterey County vineyard needs that kind of environmental review.
  • Inconsistent Planning Documents
    LandWatch notes that the current Monterey County General Plan, adopted in 1982, is not only chronologically out of date, but is now internally inconsistent and legally inadequate. This fact has been noted by the County itself.

LandWatch Involvement

LandWatch engages in the public process in a variety of ways. For this project, here is a list of our engagement strategies.