A new ordinance allows Napa Valley Winegrape growers to build a “micro winery” and sell its product at their family farms.
The new ordinance requires micro wineries to ferment at least 201 gallons of wine with estate-grown fruit every year. (A home-based wine production can ferment up to 200 gallons in Napa County.)
Also, micro wineries can produce up to 5000 gallons of wine annually. At least 75 percent of the fruit must be estate grown either on the property or on contiguous parcels under the same ownership. In addition, the structures on the property have to total 5,000 square feet or less in size. Micro wineries have to conform to all regulations, including the American with Disabilities Act rules.
Under the new law, micro winery cannot generate more than 10 round trips per day by staff and customers. No marketing events are allowed. Vineyard properties must total at least 10 acres.