County staff told the Board of Supervisors they want a narrow, rapid path to implement Assembly Bill 720 so small winegrowers can host estate-tasting events beginning Jan. 1, 2026. "AB 7 20 allows a wine grower with production and sales license ... to sell wine at an estate tasting event at a vineyard they own or control," county legislative analyst Andrew Mize said, summarizing the new state permit category.

The staff proposal would treat AB 720 visits as a de minimis agricultural use and regulate them through Napa County's road-and-street standards rather than by creating a new local permitting regime. Planning Director Brian Bordona and Fire Marshal Jason Downes emphasized public-safety guardrails. Downes said staff would "place weather restrictions ... such as red flag warning days" and recommended limits on occupancy and no temporary structures on vineyard parcels.

Growers and industry groups urged more flexibility. "This is a lifeline for the wine industry," said Jim Bridal of the Coombsville Vintners and Growers Association, asking the board to permit events with minimal county friction. Gretchen Griggsman, a small-producer owner, criticized what she called extra local requirements and warned, "California law trumps county policy. The ABC, not Napa County, decides who can pour wine where." Small growers repeatedly said a 15-person cap and mandatory shuttle rules in staff's draft would be financially burdensome and effectively block many family operations.

Board members expressed support for an interim, conservative approach that can be broadened later. Chair Cottrell and several supervisors praised staff for seeking a path that avoids lengthy land-use changes and environmental review. Several supervisors asked staff to explore a two-track model: an immediately implementable, simple filing (possibly an annual notice) for the smallest, low-risk operations and a light-touch, case-by-case operational review for sites that can demonstrate safer road access or on-site parking.

Staff signaled they will return with more options in roughly 60–90 days. "We have to start somewhere," Mize said; "the more complex that we make it, the more review it takes, and we'll have to figure out what to do in the interim to preserve life safety." The board did not adopt final numeric limits or a firm vehicle-transport requirement at the meeting, instead giving staff direction to refine occupancy, vehicle, and operational criteria based on public input.

What happens next: staff will draft concrete criteria and a simple filing process the board can consider within the next 60–90 days so growers may begin applying for ABC estate-tasting permits with local guidance in place.