A Napa Valley winery, facing challenges, is looking to expand its visitor services and production, which has raised concerns among local residents.
This past Tuesday, Bremer Family Winery submitted an application to the Napa Valley Planning Commission, aiming to fully renovate the facility in a bid to thrive amid California’s wine industry struggles.
Additionally, Howell Mountain Winery, located in Deer Park, has requested modifications to its existing permit to “boost production” and “raise annual visitor counts.”
The renovations are quite ambitious. Reports indicate that Bremer aims to increase tasting room visitors from 3,600 to about 12,500 annually. Further, they plan to ramp up production from 15,000 gallons to a whopping 50,000 gallons each year.
The winery, which specializes in Bordeaux varietals and Zinfandel, also seeks to increase its workforce and allow on-site consumption.
Back in 2002, the winery spanned 47 acres. Since then, they’ve acquired an additional 63 acres, bringing their total to 110 acres.
They mentioned plans to add around 40 more acres of vineyards, currently in progress. To manage the influx of wine enthusiasts, the winery is also requesting permission to bypass the requirement for a left-turn lane on Deer Park Road and to build an extra driveway along with more parking spaces, as highlighted in their agenda.
Concerns arise from the requirement for a left-turn lane, as doing so would mean removing nearly 20 historic trees and stone walls that have been part of the property for over a century.
Local residents are voicing their worries about how the proposed changes might impact traffic, especially with the anticipated increase in visitors.
One resident remarked on the heavy congestion at the intersection, pointing out the dangers of speeding vehicles and suggesting the county enforce the left-turn lane. Others noted that Deer Park Road is frequently used by students commuting from nearby universities.
During a recent meeting, staff members recommended that the winery’s request be approved, and the discussion will proceed to another planning meeting scheduled for July.
Outreach has been made to both the Napa Valley Planning Commission and the winery for any additional commentary.
