"The pilot program would give the county a means of implementing Assembly Bill 720, which allows wineries to host small "estate tasting events" at vineyard sites with only a permit from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control when it becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026. Supporters say the intent of the law is to bring visitors closer to the farming and production side of the wine industry, allowing for a potential revival of wine tourism amid a decline in sales and visitation."
"The supervisors are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a proposed pilot program, which would run from Jan. 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027 while county staff work to figure out permanent rules. Supervisors on Nov. 18 signaled support for a two-step process, involving simple, uniform rules to meet the deadline at first, then refining the policy with data and feedback from the wine industry, residents and regulators."
Napa County proposes a pilot program from Jan. 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027 to implement Assembly Bill 720, which permits small estate tasting events at vineyard sites with only a state ABC permit. The pilot would set limits including up to 36 vineyard visit days per year, a maximum of 49 people per event including staff, and fewer than 40 Average Daily Trips to preserve agricultural road designations. Roads must maintain emergency access with a minimum 14-foot clear width and required turnouts. Events must be limited to stops along those roads and outdoor education and may not use structures. County staff will develop permanent rules during the pilot.
Read at The Mercury News
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