Napa County won a key compliance case against Yountville-area winery Hoopes Vineyard, obtaining a court ruling that the winery operated outside his license.

Judge Mark Boessenecker officially sided with the county, finding that Hoopes conducted tastings and tours without the required permit, violating county regulations for small wineries, according to a news release Wednesday.

The dispute stems from claims that Hoopes Vineyard evaded permitting requirements for several years, despite Napa’s repeated requests for compliance. The county filed for legal action in October 2022.

The court noted that Hoopes, aware of permit limitations when purchasing the property, continued the tastings and tours in violation of local laws.

“Napa County is committed to a fair and efficient wine permitting process,” said Brian Bordona, the county’s director of planning, building and environmental services. “This ruling is the culmination of many years of code enforcement efforts by the county to bring Hoopes into compliance, beginning with a request for voluntary compliance.

“This is a significant step in maintaining the integrity of our county codes, ensuring public health, safety and fair business practices.”

However, Lindsay Hoopes said Boessenecker’s decision is pending resolution of a related matter in county court.

“There is no final judgment until the cross-complaint is heard,” Hoopes said.

Hoopes filed the cross-complaint, which involves two other parties and the winery’s actions, is being pursued for a jury trial, and hearings on that could take place as early as April.

And Hoopes pointed out that the county’s zoning case has nothing to do with separation federal case filed last fallwhose claims parallel those that have found traction elsewhere with favorable rulings.

“The federal claims were all in favor of Michigan wineries,” Hoopes said, arguing that her claims in federal court are stronger than the county’s in superior court.

The first substantive hearing in the federal case could take place as early as February, Hoopes said. The county was granted an extension to respond to the federal complaint.

Hoopes hopes the presiding federal judge, Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California, is likely to consider the case on its merits rather than dismissing it early.

The latest official county ruling follows an 11-day trial earlier this yearwhere Napa County argued that Hoopes’ actions undermined fair trade practices, with most other wineries following licensing rules.

The county is now seeking penalties and legal costs from Hoopes, with potential fines tied to the owner’s net worth.

While Hoopes sued Napa County over claims of due process violations, the recent ruling underscores Napa’s commitment to complying with its winery regulations, which are designed to protect public health, safety and local agriculture, according to the county.

Hoopes teamed up in September with Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery LLC and Cook’s Flat Associates (Smith-Madrone Winery) to is suing the county in federal court. This case is still pending.