Park district director Guy Kay said, ‘It’s an exceptional opportunity that fits perfectly with our goals of preserving the natural environment while providing outdoor recreation for the public.’

Ninety-seven hectares donated to the Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement Districts (LBRID) will help protect water quality.

The future park property, which is located northeast of Napa County’s Pope Valley, includes the 1,012ha Spanish Valley, an expansive meadow and large pond surrounded by oak woodlands, Gray Pine chaparral, volcanic cliffs, and numerous springs and streams.

It includes threee miles of Putah Creek, the biggest river serving the largest watershed in Napa County.

The area is filled with wildlife such as deer, turkeys, otters, black bears and mountain lions.

When asked if the land had potential for viticulture the Trincheros told Decanter.com only about 80ha were plantable and ‘even then it would be somewhat marginal.’

The Trincheros’ charitable activities include the surgical centre St Helena Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club, Napa Valley Museum, and Napa Valley Opera House. www.decanter.com