Wine Spill Threatens Russian River

Cabernet sauvignon wine.
Photo credit Getty Images

Officials are monitoring the Russian River after 97,000 gallons of wine leaked from a tank at the Rodney Strong Vineyards into the waters.

Cabernet sauvignon poured into a sewer system Wednesday afternoon, because a door to a blending tank popped open, a Rodney Strong spokesman told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

The wine spilled into a drainage ditch in Healdsburg that feeds into a creek, which ultimately flows into the Russian River. 

The winery said it's conducting an investigation and cooperating with authorities. 

State officials said the wine could affect water quality along the 110-mile tributary before it reaches the Pacific Ocean. 

A post shared by Rodney Strong Vineyards Rosé (@rsvrose) on Apr 16, 2018 at 11:10am PDT