"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"

About once a month, I run across a news story about some place that may be "the new Napa." This means a place that has beautiful vineyard views and great wine, I guess, but also maybe spas, incredible restaurants, ballooning? I'm not sure what criteria writers use when coming up with the proposal that a place may be "the new Napa." Maybe by looking at some of these stories we'll understand.

The New Napa Valley? Idaho wine region receives national grape-growing designation
"Marketing wine works fine for southwest Idaho vintners, but will work better as word spreads about the area’s new nationwide designation. “The name Snake River Valley gives us that distinction,” said Neil Glancey, winemaker and general manager at Carmela Vineyards near Glenns Ferry. Carmela Vineyards has won national awards for its wines. Some people at the competitions would express surprise when they find out the wine was grown in Idaho, Glancey said."
Mendoza, Argentina: The New Napa Valley
"Mendoza, to me, is the new Napa Valley. I know...Mendoza doesn't look a bit like Napa Valley. It is one gigantic high plateau, gradually becoming higher as it approaches the majestic Andes Mountains in the west. No hillsides on each side, like Napa Valley. No hillside vineyards..."
The Livermore Valley: The New Napa?
"Anguishing in line and suffering a delay that seems utterly unreasonable, then elbowing your way to the bar in order to pay an outrageous fee for a smallish taste, followed by another endless lag for a refill – all too common the scenario at Napa Valley wine tasting rooms. What happened to the old days of unconditional free pouring, enhanced with enlightening and engaging wine discussion?"
Is Brainerd the New Napa?
"Everyone, please: Strip off your waders, empty the duck-pocket of your hunting jacket, kick back and rest your hiking boots on the nearest barrel of wild rice, and ask yourself, is Brainerd the new Napa Valley? I didn't think so. Well, how about you run through a bottle of Canadian Club for me? Is it the new Napa now?"

Well, I don't think we have to worry that Brained, Minnesota will take away our tourism, but you can see why some people are nervous about the future. When you've got so many people trying to be you, how does that affect your sense of self?

Comments

Anonymous said…
Well, I'm not so sure that Brainerd aspires to be the new Napa. The city has long had its own cachet:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==10391

Not too bad deal then, eh? (If you don't get it, you've never been to Brainerd).
May 1, 2007 at 4:08 PM
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