Napa Winery Fights $4 Million Penalty Over Alleged Illegal Tours

Hoopes Winery says the "ruinous" fine and legal fees will drive it into bankruptcy.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A small Napa County winery, Hoopes Winery, is fighting a multi-million-dollar penalty it incurred during a legal dispute with the county. The county claimed the winery's wine tastings and tours were not allowed, and after a 10-day trial, the court imposed over $1.5 million in civil penalties. With attorneys' fees, Hoopes Winery now owes nearly $4 million, which the winery's lawyers say is unconstitutional and will bankrupt the business.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between local governments and small businesses over regulations, as well as the potential consequences of heavy-handed enforcement tactics. The winery argues the county bypassed administrative processes and went straight to court, resulting in a massive fine that threatens the family-owned business's survival.

The details

In 2020, Napa County officials declared Hoopes Winery's operations a public nuisance, alleging the winery was conducting illegal wine tastings and tours. The county prevailed in court, and in December 2025, the judge imposed over $1.5 million in civil penalties on the winery. With attorneys' fees, the total amount owed is nearly $4 million. Hoopes Winery's lawyers argue this fine is unconstitutional, "grossly disproportionate" to the alleged offense, and will bankrupt the business.

  • In 2020, Napa County officials declared Hoopes Winery's operations a public nuisance.
  • In December 2025, the judge imposed over $1.5 million in civil penalties on the winery.
  • On February 18, 2026, the winery's lawyers filed a motion asking the court to eliminate or reduce the fine.

The players

Hoopes Winery

A small Napa County winery that is fighting a multi-million-dollar penalty imposed by the county.

Lindsay Hoopes

The owner of Hoopes Winery who took over the business from her father and also acquired Hopper Creek Winery.

Napa County

The county that declared Hoopes Winery's operations a public nuisance and prevailed in court, resulting in the multi-million-dollar penalty.

Judge Mark Boessenecker

The Napa County Superior Court judge who imposed the over $1.5 million in civil penalties on Hoopes Winery.

Pacific Legal Foundation

The law firm representing Hoopes Winery for free and filing the motion to eliminate or reduce the fine.

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What they’re saying

“This is just a great example of government overreach.”

— Bridget Conlan, Lawyer, Pacific Legal Foundation (Patch.com)

“No family should lose everything over ordinary business activity that harms no one. The Constitution promises that punishment must be fair and proportional. We're standing up for Lindsay's right to preserve her family's legacy without being crushed by excessive fines.”

— Anastasia Boden, Lawyer, Pacific Legal Foundation (Patch.com)

What’s next

Hoopes Winery's lawyers hope to get a hearing on their motion to eliminate or reduce the fine by late March. The winery is also separately appealing the original judgment in favor of the county.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small businesses can face when navigating complex regulations and disputes with local governments. It raises questions about the proportionality of penalties and whether administrative processes were properly followed before the county pursued costly litigation.