WHO WE ARE

The Save the Family Farms Napa Valley (STFF) organization formed in 2017 with one goal: to keep small family farms viable for future generations. At its inception, the group assembled to lobby for and establish a streamlined use permit application process for Napa County’s Micro-producers. In 2019 the group became a registered 501-c3 non-profit. STFF worked with the departments of Planning, Building and Environmental Services (PBES), the Napa Country Board of Supervisors, and Planning Commissioners, to design a streamlined use permit application process suitable for Napa County Micro-producers, called the Micro-Winery Ordinance.

Endorsed by The Winegrowers of Napa County and the Napa Valley Vintners, the Micro-Winery Ordinance went into law, by unanimous BOS vote, on May 5, 2022. With the passage of the Micro-Winery Ordinance, Save the Family Farms established its position as a champion that promotes (and creates new opportunities for) Napa Valley AVA wineries/brands with less than 5000 gal (2k/year case production). Today, the executive team continues to work with state regulators and Napa County leadership to be the voice for Napa’s Micro-Producers.

WHAT'S NEXT: GOALS & OBJECTIVES

As part of its expanded mission, STFF is actively nurturing, promoting, and safeguarding Napa Valley's Micro-Producers & Micro-Wineries. The primary directive of the STFF Executive team is to be at the forefront of the new CA Road and Street Standards (RSS) to ensure density and intensity of each Micro-Winery application are considered as exceptions.

Our strategy also includes the launch of the “Verified Napa Valley Micro-Producer.” This esteemed title is supported by Save the Family Farms, and it celebrates the essence of Napa Valley's origin through a farm-to-bottle narrative and educational experiences as told by Napa Valley’s Micro-Producers.

Verified Napa Valley Micro-Producers promise wine enthusiasts an authentic connection to Napa Valley's small family farm heritage. When supporting a Verified Micro-Producer, enthusiasts of ultra-small-batch Napa Valley wines will have the unique opportunity to gain insights directly from the farmer, the owner, and the winemaker who are also the people that answer the phones, write the emails and handle nearly all aspects of their operations with their own two hands. This small business self-sufficiency enables Micro-Producers the freedom to experiment in the vineyard and the cellar too, and they are often celebrated for being at the forefront of innovative winemaking techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.

At the intersection of innovation and differentiated consumer experiences, Micro-Producers stand as shining examples of the artisanal approach to Napa Valley winemaking. Their small size, coupled with a true back-to-the-land movement, enables wine enthusiasts to gain incomparable insights into the craft, passion, and artistry behind each bottle of wine. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to seek out and support Verified Micro-Producers, as it grants them access to a facet of the Napa Valley that often go undiscovered — a world where passion, tradition, and craftsmanship converge to create unparalleled wines and experiences.

To be considered for this prestigious designation, wine producers must meet specific criteria in alignment with the Napa County Micro-Winery Ordinance. These include:

An operational wine brand with an annual production between 201 - 5,000 gallons.
Hold the necessary licenses required to produce/sell wine commercially.
A commitment to utilizing at least 75 percent of Napa AVA fruit in the wine production process.
Adherence to sustainable practices in the vineyards and/or winery, demonstrating responsible stewardship of the land.
A majority of wine sales must be direct-to-consumer, enhancing the personalized connection with customers.
Providing customers with direct access to the grower, winemaker, or owner, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft.