25-1096
WILLIS BLAKEWELL / VINE CLIFF WINERY ALTERATION / USE PERMIT FOR EXCEPTION TO CONSERVATION REGULATIONS NO. P25-00161 AND USE PERMIT MINOR MODIFICATION NO. P24-00191 CEQA status: Based on the proposed project as described further below, the project meets the criteria for eligibility as Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will not have a significant impact on the environment. [See Class 1 (“Existing Facilities”), Class 2 (“Replacement or Reconstruction”), Class 3 (“New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures”), Class 4 (“Minor Alterations to Land”), and Class 11 (“Accessory Structures”), which may be found in the guidelines for the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act at 14 CCR §15301, §15302, §15303, §15304, and §15311; see also Napa County’s Local Procedures for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, Appendix B.] Request: Approval of a Use Permit for an Exception to the Conservation Regulations for development activity on slopes over 30 percent, and approval of a Use Permit Minor Modification to remodel and expand a winery cave for Type III occupancy with the addition of a fire water storage area and fire pump room, relocate production to the second cave portal, add a covered crush pad, remodel and relocate expanded guest restrooms, add a commercial high-risk kitchen, remodel and relocate offices, laboratory, breakroom and other accessory uses, create a garden plaza by removing 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, and widen access roads to meet county standards. The winery is on an approximately 99.59-acre parcel located at 7400 Silverado Trail, Napa. The parcel is within the AW (Agricultural Watershed) zoning district, with a General Plan designation AWOS (Agriculture, Watershed and Open Space). APN: 032-030-027-000. Staff Recommendation: Find the project categorically exempt from CEQA, approve an Exception to Conservation Regulations No. P25-00161 and approve Use Permit Minor Modification No. P24-00191 as conditioned. Staff Contact: Andrew Amelung, Planner II, 1195 Third St, Suite 210, Napa, CA 94559; (707) 253-4307; andrew.amelung@countyofnapa.org Applicant Contact: Willis Blakewell, 7400 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558; (707) 480-9250; willis@blakewellconsulting.com Applicant Agent: Kirsten Shinnamon Baker, Signum Architecture, 1675 2nd Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 337-5986; kirsten@signumarchitecture.com
- Committee
- Planning Commission
- Requested by
- Planning, Building and Environmental Services
- Introduced
- June 2, 2025
- On agenda
- June 18, 2025
- Passed
- December 31, 2025