Save Knights Valley

Jackson's Proposed Project

January 2005**
Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke have filed a Proposal and Application to build a commercial winery and event center in Knights Valley. Below is a list of items for which Jackson's proposed Project requests County approval:

1. a lot line adjustment whereby 85 acres will be taken from Parcel A - 120-090-023 (currently 556.5+ acres) and added to Parcel B -120-040-011 (currently 15+ acres)

2. restoration of an historic stone winery building ±4,600 sq. ft.

3. construction of a new second story to the winery of ± 2,400 sq. ft. to include offices

4. excavation of the site to include a below grade level barrel cellar

5. approval for annual production capacity of the winery for 10,000 cases per year

6. construction of a new ±4000 sq. ft. Annex for public tasting

7. construction of additional "associated smaller support spaces" to the newly proposed Annex including toilet facilities, storage, mechanical, and a small warming/catering kitchen

8. authorization to sponsor up to four special events with a maximum of 200 persons per event

9. construction of: (a) a walled, paved parking court, (b) landscaped entry court, and (c) various private patio areas and walkways

10. approval for a tasting room to be open to the public up to seven days a week "depending upon the season"

11. approval to promote and sell wines, beef, and other agricultural products "grown on the ranch"

12. authorization to hold "occasional non-profit/fundraising events"

13. authorization to also hold "private promotional events"

14. authorization for 3 to 6 employees, depending upon the season*

15. The Project also seeks a variance in the required scenic corridor setback from Highway 128 in order to keep the location of the new winery in the same footprint as the old winery. (The Application proposes to demolish the old winery then re-use the old rocks to construct a new winery wall.)

* It should be noted that the General Plan - Agricultural Element limits the number of employees for "agricultural support services" in LIA zones to "no more than one (1) employee" and provides that "such services may include incidental sales of products related to the support service use but shall not include additional walk-in, over-the-counter retail sales."

** click here to see December 2006 revised proposal