Sonoma Planners Delay Sebastiani Winery Rezoning

Commissioners want to wait until General Plan Update is finalized before considering changes to the site.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Sonoma Planning Commission has unanimously voted to hold off on rezoning the Sebastiani Winery property, citing concerns from neighbors about wildfire evacuation routes and traffic. The commission recommended keeping the site's current agricultural zoning in place until the city's ongoing General Plan Update is completed, which is expected by fall 2026. The decision now heads to the City Council, which is expected to take it up in early March.

Why it matters

The Sebastiani Winery property is a key site in Sonoma, and any rezoning or redevelopment could have significant impacts on the surrounding community. Neighbors have raised concerns about the potential for increased density and a hotel leading to more traffic and safety risks in a high fire-hazard area. The planning commission's decision to delay rezoning until the General Plan Update is finalized aims to ensure a more thorough review process.

The details

In a unanimous vote, the Sonoma Planning Commission backed a "go-slow" strategy that keeps the Sebastiani Winery property's current agricultural zoning in place until a concrete project is proposed. This follows weeks of public workshops, where residents argued that more intense development could clog narrow evacuation routes and worsen wildfire risks. The roughly 20-acre parcel is part of the Foley Family Wines portfolio and currently includes historic vineyard acreage and related buildings.

  • The planning commission voted on the recommendation on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The City Council is expected to take up the commission's recommendation at its first meeting in March 2026.
  • The City of Sonoma aims to wrap up its General Plan Update by fall 2026.

The players

Sonoma Planning Commission

The local government body responsible for land use planning and zoning decisions in Sonoma, California.

Foley Family Wines

The company that owns the Sebastiani Winery property, which is part of its portfolio of wineries and vineyards.

Sonoma City Council

The local government body that will consider the planning commission's recommendation on the Sebastiani Winery property rezoning.

Sonoma Valley Sun

A local news publication that reported on the planning commission's decision.

Sonoma Index-Tribune

A local news publication that reported on the concerns raised by residents about the potential rezoning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must fully account for circulation and emergency access before making any land-use decisions for the site.”

— Sonoma Residents

“The goal is to wrap up the General Plan Update by fall 2026.”

— Jennifer Gates, Community Development Director

What’s next

The City Council is expected to consider the planning commission's recommendation at its first meeting in March 2026. If the council agrees with the 'go-slow' approach, the city would proceed with any required environmental review and additional public hearings tied to specific project proposals for the Sebastiani Winery property.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the importance of comprehensive planning and community input when it comes to major development projects. By delaying the rezoning until the General Plan Update is finalized, Sonoma officials are aiming to ensure a thorough review process that addresses key concerns from residents, such as wildfire evacuation and traffic impacts.