Planning Commission - 2026-02-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Napa County Planning Commission approved two winery projects: Hourglass Winery's major modification (use permit, viewshed exception, conservation regulations exception, and road standards exception) allowing expansion from 30,000 to 60,000 gallons production with increased visitation and marketing events, and Promise Winery's new phased winery development (variance, use permit, and road standards exception) at 817 Lomela Road and Sage Canyon Road respectively. The Napa Valley Museum Marketplace Understudy application was withdrawn by the applicant.
Key Decisions (7)
Hourglass Winery Use Permit Major Modification
Approved expansion of Hourglass Winery at 817 Lomela Road from 30,000 to 60,000 gallons production, visitation increase from 10 to 20 visitors per day (140/week), marketing program expansion to 54 events at 30 guests plus larger events up to 500 guests, employee increase from 1 to 10 full-time, 28,000 sq ft cave expansion, new 6,555 sq ft hospitality building, and 916 sq ft tasting pavilion. Applicants Jeff and Caroline Smith represented by John Webb.
Hourglass Winery Viewshed Protection Program Exception
Approved viewshed protection program application P23-00278-VIEW for tasting pavilion and cave portal on slopes greater than 15%, requiring landscape screening of at least 51% of structures within five years of planting.
Hourglass Winery Exception to Road and Street Standards
Approved exception to preserve 100-foot section of existing driveway to protect Biter Creek and 15 large oak trees that survived the Glass Fire. Remainder of driveway will be widened to meet county standards.
Hourglass Winery Exception to Conservation Regulations
Approved exemption P23-00279-UP to conservation regulations for driveway improvements within stream setback, removing approximately 0.1 acres of vineyard to support increased road width.
Promise Winery Variance, Use Permit, and Road Standards Exception
Approved new phased winery on 62-acre parcel on Sage Canyon Road (Highway 128) in Pritchard Hill area. Phase 1: convert 1,300 sq ft barn to 2,700 sq ft winery for 5,000 gallons, convert ADU to tasting room, 8 daily visitors, 3 employees. Phase 2: 30,000 gallons production, 5,000 sq ft wine cave, increased visitation. Applicants Jen and Steve McPherson represented by Josh Staling.
Napa Valley Museum Marketplace Understudy Application Withdrawn
Applicant requested withdrawal of application on January 16, with formal letter sent to commission. No presentation given.
Minutes Approval - January 21, 2026 Meeting
Approved minutes from regular meeting held on January 21, 2026.
Development Activity (2)
Hourglass Winery Expansion
Expansion from 30,000 to 60,000 gallons production; 28,000 sq ft cave expansion; new 6,555 sq ft hospitality building with tasting and offices; 916 sq ft tasting pavilion; 65,000 gallon water tank and pump house; 127 kilowatt solar array on crush pad cover; property includes 18.7 acres of vineyards on two parcels
Promise Winery
Phase 1: Convert 1,300 sq ft barn to 2,700 sq ft winery building for 5,000 gallons barrel aging and fermentation; convert ADU to tasting room; ADA restroom structure; driveway entrance upgrades. Phase 2: 30,000 gallons production; 5,000 sq ft wine cave with covered crush pad; new winery process wastewater treatment system. Property has 3.5 acres approved vineyard.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Glass Fire (2020) caused significant property destruction in the Silverado Trail area, with Hourglass Winery suffering approximately $20 million in damages and losing their residence, indicating ongoing recovery and rebuilding activity in fire-affected areas.
Commercial Demand
Small family wineries face significant financial pressures with operational costs, with applicants noting that additional requirements like mandatory shuttle services could render marketing events financially unviable for small operations.
Infrastructure
Napa County is experiencing challenges with public notice publications through the Napa Valley Register (now weekly only) and Sequinet posting requirements, causing the February 18 Planning Commission meeting to be canceled.
Sentiment
Strong community support demonstrated for established family winery operations, with Hourglass Winery receiving six support letters including three from direct neighbors and no opposition from any neighbors contacted.
Other
Water availability analysis requirements are under review with new WAA guidelines expected but delayed from January target date, with commissioners expressing concerns about current methodology for calculating groundwater use and recycled water credits.