Napa Valley Wineries File Federal Lawsuit Against Napa County

Growing grievances against increasing local regulations on tasting room visits, construction and more come to a head

Three Napa wineries filed a joint lawsuit against Napa County in federal court yesterday, alleging that county officials systematically violated their constitutional rights. The wineries—Summit Lake Vineyards, Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery and Hoopes Vineyard—filed the complaint with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco.

This is the just latest development in a growing battle with the county. Vintners and growers cite government overreach, confusing regulations, inconsistent enforcement and more. Multiple parties have filed lawsuits regarding use permits and water rights in recent years.

Four million tourists visit Napa annually, and many stop at small wineries. In 2015, 68 percent of Napa wineries produced fewer than 20,000 cases per year. There is a growing concern that the county is not supporting its biggest economic draw, especially when it comes to small wineries. Many small-winery owners have grievances with the county government, including fights to get approval for new construction and mandated wastewater treatment upgrades. There’s also a federal investigation over possible corruption in the permitting process, with the FBI subpoenaing records from several wineries.

In their legal filing, three local wineries contend that Napa County’s regulatory approach is inconsistent, relying not on firm, understandable rules but on an unpredictable combination of unwritten ‘policies’ and practices. They argue that the official regulations that do exist are ambiguously worded, to such an extent that vineyards cannot determine permissible activities, allowing for arbitrary enforcement by county officials.

“We need to appeal to the federal judicial system to vindicate our constitutional rights and guarantee fair regulatory treatment by the county,” stated Lindsay Hoopes, proprietor of Hoopes Vineyard.

Previously, the county instigated a state court lawsuit against Hoopes, accusing her of breach of regulations for organizing tastings and yoga sessions. Hoopes maintains her operation is covered by an existing exemption for small wineries; however, local authorities dispute its legitimacy. In August, following the discovery of what she claims is proof of the county covertly altering her property rights—and those of over twenty other properties—Hoopes pursued a motion to dismiss the ongoing case.

The proprietors of Smith-Madrone and Summit Lake, other beneficiaries of the small winery exemptions authorized under Napa’s Winery Definition Ordinance of 1990, assert the ordinance has always permitted tastings. However, they were recently informed otherwise.

Stu Smith, the proprietor of Smith-Madrone, has been conducting wine tastings at his vineyard since receiving a use permit in the early seventies. Decades later, he expressed his frustration to Wine Spectator, saying, “Now, 48 years later, without my being notified or being allowed to be present to defend my rights, the county arbitrarily and capriciously changed my permitting to zero visitors a day and somehow came up with 10 visitors a week.”

The lawsuit claims that the First Amendment and California statutes safeguard the vineyards’ rights to welcome guests and organize events in their tasting rooms, offering samples and full glasses of wine. The litigants argue that the county’s requirement for prior approval for such gatherings, while regulating cultural festivities based on the content of their messages, infringes upon these rights.

In a shared statement, Smith alongside Heather Brakesman-Griffin from Summit Lake Vineyard declared, “Whether it’s unfair and capricious manipulation of the winery database, ever-changing interpretations of the road and street standards or other issues, there is a desperate need to find fairness, professionalism and integrity in how we are regulated.”

When approached by Wine Spectator, representatives from Napa stated they could not offer any comments until they had the opportunity to assess the allegations.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!