Napa Winery Faces $4M in Fines After Legal Battle With County

Longtime legal defense group joins fight against Napa County's crackdown on winery's visitor activities.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Napa Valley winery is facing a court order to pay almost $4 million in fines and legal fees after a years-long legal battle with Napa County over allowed wine tasting and visitor activities. The winery now has a new ally in its fight - a 53-year-old legal defense group with a track record of winning similar cases against local governments.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between wineries and local governments in California's wine country over regulations on visitor experiences and activities. It also showcases the role of advocacy groups in supporting businesses fighting what they see as overreach by county officials.

The details

Napa County officials have ordered the unnamed winery to pay nearly $4 million in fines and legal fees after a court ruled against the winery in its long-running legal battle over allowed visitor activities. The winery had been locked in this dispute with the county for several years. Now, a 53-year-old legal defense group with a history of winning similar cases against local governments has joined the winery's fight.

  • The legal battle between the winery and Napa County has been ongoing for several years.
  • The latest court order for the winery to pay $4 million was issued in February 2026.

The players

Napa Valley Winery

An unnamed winery in Napa Valley that has been engaged in a multi-year legal battle with Napa County over allowed visitor activities and experiences.

Napa County

The local government in California's Napa County that has been cracking down on the winery's visitor activities and hit it with a $4 million fine.

Legal Defense Group

A 53-year-old advocacy organization that has joined the winery's fight against Napa County, bringing its track record of winning similar cases against local governments.

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What’s next

The winery plans to appeal the $4 million fine and court order in the state's Court of Appeal.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing tensions between wineries and local governments in California's wine country over regulations on visitor experiences. It also highlights the important role that advocacy groups can play in supporting businesses fighting what they see as government overreach.