The petition mentions that the basin "contains high levels of ammonia, phosphorous, chloride, iron, boron, and manganese".
[1] Constant, gentle winds keep grapes and leaf canopies cool and dry, and reduce the risk of mildew.
[7][8] In 1884, Charles M. Hammond, along with his brother Gardiner Jr., acquired 1,234 acres (499 ha) in the "East Upper Lake precinct" and subsequently planted on his Mat Tel Vineyards estate 25 acres of grapes, including "Black Burgundy", Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, "Sauvignon Vert" (probably Sauvignonasse) and Sémillon.
Hammond had previously worked for Gustave Niebaum as a vineyard hand in Napa Valley for about a year.
[10] When Prohibition was passed, most vineyards were abandoned or replanted with orchards, notably walnuts, which remain a key crop in the area.