House Family Vineyards is seeking approval for a Conditional Use Permit to expand its operations at their property on Old Oak Way in Saratoga. The proposal includes significant enhancements to their existing vineyard, including the construction of a subterranean wine cave for storage, a tasting deck for visitors, and necessary infrastructure improvements like a fire access road. This project is currently under review by the City of Saratoga, and a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been released for public comment.
Project Overview: Enhancing the House Family Vineyards Experience
Located on two parcels totaling approximately 23 acres on Old Oak Way, the House Family Vineyards property already features a thriving vineyard and a private residence. The proposed winery project aims to build upon these existing agricultural uses without disrupting the established vineyard or residential areas. Bordered by Garrod Farms and residential properties, the site is poised for a thoughtful expansion that will introduce new elements to the vineyard experience.
Key Components of the Application
Conditional Use Permit for Winery Operations
To formally operate a winery on their property, House Family Vineyards has applied for a Conditional Use Permit from the City of Saratoga. This permit will define the scope of their operations, including days and hours of operation, ensuring that the winery operates in harmony with the surrounding community. The Saratoga Planning Commission and City Council will carefully review these operational specifications before making a final decision.
Addressing an Existing Tasting Deck
A 1,307-square-foot tasting deck, constructed in 2013, is part of this application for retroactive permitting. This structure includes a restroom, entry area, and office space, with the majority of the deck being an open-air, roofed space used for wine tasting and events. To meet safety standards, the Santa Clara County Fire Department requires the construction of a fire access road and a fire truck turnaround to serve this tasting deck. Adjacent to the deck, an 1,800-square-foot dirt patio also contributes to the tasting and event space.
Subterranean Wine Cave for Enhanced Storage
A key feature of the proposed expansion is a 2,604-square-foot subterranean wine cave. Designed for wine storage only, and not for public access, this underground cave will be largely invisible, with only entrances and exits at ground level. The wine cave will replace existing above-ground wine storage containers, offering a more aesthetically pleasing and environmentally controlled storage solution.
Open Space Easement Exchange for Optimized Land Use
The current tasting deck and vineyard are partially located within an existing open space easement. As part of the project, House Family Vineyards proposes to adjust this easement. They are seeking to remove the 20,100-square-foot easement area currently occupied by the tasting deck and vineyard and, in exchange, dedicate a new, larger open space easement of 49,578 square feet in an adjacent area. This exchange aims to consolidate and enhance the protected open space while accommodating the existing and proposed vineyard facilities.
Public Review and Environmental Impact Report
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the House Family Vineyards project is available for public review and comment. This report assesses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed winery and related constructions. The public review period ran from November 4, 2024, to December 19, 2024.
Accessing the DEIR and Submitting Comments
The DEIR is accessible for public viewing in hard copy at Saratoga City Hall, Community Development Department. Written comments on the DEIR could be submitted via email to Nicole Johnson at [email protected] with the subject line “House Family Vineyards,” or by mail to City of Saratoga, Attn: Nicole Johnson, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
Community Engagement and Project Timeline
The City of Saratoga hosted a public meeting on November 19, 2024, to gather community feedback on the DEIR. The project has been under discussion and review since 2017, with formal applications submitted in June 2018. Key milestones include a Planning Commission Study Session in April 2021 and a Public Scoping Meeting for the EIR in March 2022.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2017 | House Family Vineyards contacted the City to discuss the wine cave project. |
| June 2018 | Formal application submitted for Conditional Use Permit. |
| July 2020 | Initial Notice of Intent withdrawn. |
| March 16, 2021 | Community Meeting held. |
| April 20, 2021 | Planning Commission Study Session. |
| March 30, 2022 | Public Scoping Meeting for the Environmental Impact Report. |
| October 5, 2022 | City Council Public Hearing regarding winery operations. |
| November 4, 2024 – December 19, 2024 | Public Review Period for Draft Environment Impact Report. |
| November 19, 2024 | Community meeting to discuss the DEIR. |
| Pending | Final EIR Preparation and Response to Comments. |
| Pending | Planning Commission Public Hearing. |
| Pending | City Council Public Hearing for final approval. |
The project timeline includes further opportunities for community input at upcoming Planning Commission and City Council public hearings. Updated meeting dates will be announced as they are scheduled, ensuring continued public engagement in the House Family Vineyards winery project.
