AXR Napa Valley Winery - Major Use Permit Modification, Variance, and Viewshed

The AXR Napa Valley Winery project, approved by the Napa County Planning Commission on June 3, 2026, involves a major modification to Winery Use Permits P08-00099 and P04-0541. The scope of work includes the construction of a 17,190 square foot type I wine cave and the conversion of several existing structures for tasting and hospitality purposes, including a 1,492 square foot barrel storage building, a 1,204 square foot outdoor crush/tank pad, and the 4,147 square foot main floor of the historic Hirsch residence for office and tasting room use. These modifications are intended to support an expanded marketing program and an increase in both employees and visitor traffic at the St. Helena, California location. Infrastructure improvements are a central component of the project, featuring water and wastewater system upgrades and the installation of a left turn lane and driveway modifications on Highway 29. To facilitate these improvements, the project includes a variance to the 600-foot winery setback from SR 29 for aboveground wastewater structures and an Administrative Viewshed Permit for cave portals and utility improvements on slopes between 15 and 18 percent. The project is governed by a Mitigated Negative Declaration, with specific mitigation measures and monitoring plans adopted as conditions for approval. Administrative oversight is managed by Hannah Spencer of the Napa County Planning, Building, and Environmental Services Department.