Out of control

Regarding “Vintner’s helicopter plan up in air amid objections,” May 21: The wine industry is under scrutiny because, like an intemperate drinker, it won’t admit when it’s had too much. If the alcohol industry would control its own — acknowledge how event centers masquerading as wineries are an excessive indulgence and collectively destroy the rural quality of the North Bay — it wouldn’t have to play defense on questions about helicopters or exploiting or respecting the landscape.

When the indulgence affects too many other people, when local governments ignore their concerns and proceed with business as usual, when residents feel obliged to organize, protest and write letters about helicopters and traffic and the loss of rural character, then the alcohol and tourism has taken a good thing too far.

Donald Williams, Calistoga