Planning Commission approves Andrea Bocelli concert at Charles Krug Winery in Napa Valley

The Napa County Planning Commission convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss a significant event proposal for the historic Charles Krug Winery. The meeting began with a public hearing led by Chair Pott, who confirmed no ex parte contacts among commissioners regarding the agenda item.

Director DeRosa presented the proposal for the "Weekend in Napa Valley" event featuring Andrea Bocelli, scheduled for June 20-21, 2025. This two-day event is expected to attract up to 4,562 guests, along with 484 event-related staff. The winery, located at 2800 Main Street, has a history of hosting large events, which informed the planning process for this occasion.

DeRosa emphasized the importance of transparency in the planning process, noting that a temporary use permit was necessary due to the expected attendance exceeding 400 people. The operations plan, attached to the staff report, includes detailed site plans addressing parking, guest seating, food and beverage areas, and stage placement. A contingency plan for overflow parking at Behringer Winery was also outlined.

Traffic management was a key focus, with the winery's team having secured a traffic control contract with the highway patrol and received a corrosion permit from Napa County on May 15. The traffic management plan includes temporary control signs and portable message boards to be installed by June 16 and removed by June 23. Additionally, provisions for pedestrian and cyclist safety along the Vine Trail were discussed, including the deployment of flaggers.

The parking management strategy includes designated zones for ticket holders, with approximately 800 attendees expected to use a private shuttle service. The comprehensive operations plan covers various aspects, including event host responsibilities, seating arrangements, food and beverage provisions, event scheduling, security, and emergency services.

DeRosa concluded by highlighting the winery's experience in hosting large-scale events, ensuring that all necessary coordination had been conducted with relevant city and county departments. The Planning Commission's discussions underscored the meticulous planning involved in accommodating such a large gathering while prioritizing community safety and operational efficiency.