(NapaValleyRegister) - It’s been a decade in the works, but Napa Valley Vintners learned early Thursday that the Peoples’ Republic of China has agreed to recognize and protect the Napa Valley name. It’s a critical first step in preventing the name to be used on any wines except those from this valley. Linda Reiff, executive director of the Napa Valley Vintners, said the decision to grant “geographic indication status” was published in a report by the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. “Unfortunately it was written in Chinese,” she said, adding that a translator had confirmed the good news for the elated Vintners.