Chuck McMinn has had a few good ideas over the years, and these days the Upvalley vintner is pushing an idea that would be great for the Napa Valley: He wants to build a bicycle trail from Napa to Calistoga, offering a recreational opportunity unlike any residents or visitors have today.

Recently, McMinn, the owner of Vineyard 29 and a founder of Silicon Valley success story Covad Communications, met with the Register editorial board to talk about the Napa Valley Vine Trail. He was joined by grape grower Andy Beckstoffer, who is also playing a role in the trail coalition.

In short, the vision is a roughly 22-mile trail that would traverse the edges of vineyards and other mid-valley properties until it connects with Calistoga’s existing bike trail and Napa’s River Trail.

The trail would use public rights of way and easements on existing vineyard roads. No vineyard land would come out of production, and the granting of rights would be voluntary. “The words ‘eminent domain’ would not cross our lips,” McMinn said. The trail would be built in segments as the opportunity arises, and McMinn expects no Napa County tax dollars will be needed. He hopes that a combination of private fundraising and state and federal matching grants can build and maintain the trail.

While a specific route awaits lengthy talks with property owners, McMinn has charted an impressive course for the coalition. His group includes Beckstoffer, Bob Torres of Trinchero Family Estates and David Meyers, formerly the managing partner of Dickenson. Peatman & Fogarty. Every one of Napa County’s major environmental, grape growing and wine industry groups has been brought into the discussion and is supportive. McMinn said he is actively seeking the participation of any resident or group interested in the project.

The two biggest tasks for the coalition would appear to be raising the $15 million to $16 million in private dollars that McMinn estimates are needed for what he thinks will be a $27million project, and convincing as many as 150 property owners to allow part of the path to cross their land.

As to the first, McMinn said he believes the philanthropic nature of the valley’s citizens will make this target relatively easy to hit, citing the startling generosity he has seen among the vintners and for Upvalley charitable causes.

As to the second, McMinn said the group has thought through the critical issues and will present property owners with solid answers to the most important questions. For example, he said, California law already insulates property owners from liability when they grant easements for public use, but McMinn said he would hope to strengthen the protections through individual partnerships with property owners. He said the coalition would work with owners on the paths, trailheads, signage, fencing and security against vandals — a

$5 million endowment to pay for security and maintenance is part of the capital plan.

One thing the proponents do not have is a specific route, because that requires discussions that are just beginning with property owners. This is where Beckstoffer, a leader among grape growers and the owner of vineyards up and down the valley, comes in. Beckstoffer said he plans to work with landowners, and hopes to do so with groups such as the Rutherford Dust Society and grape growers of Oakville, answering questions one step, and maybe one chunk of the valley, at a time.

What’s in it for McMinn? Nothing. He doesn’t own a bike. He just said he heard a great idea, was told it was “impossible,” doesn’t believe that, and wants to see a grand project come to life.

We hope that vineyard owners and others who are needed to help this plan along see things the same way.