Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Portola Valley: Five new buildings proposed at winery site

Correction: In this story, The Almanac erred in stating that the structures would expand the Spring Ridge winery. The buildings are residential in nature and would not be an expansion of the winery.

By Dave Boyce

Though motorists, cyclists and other passersby wouldn't know it when driving by 555 Portola Road in Portola Valley, behind the trees just west of the pasture are regimented rows of grapevines, part of the Spring Ridge winery.

The pasture, which is popular with deer and offers an uninterrupted view of the western hills, is considered to be within the town's scenic corridor. It is now the site of a proposed vineyard expansion that could include a barn as one of five new buildings spread throughout the 229-acre site, including on the hillside, according to a Nov. 19 report to the town's Architecture and Site Control Commission (ASCC) and conversations with planning staff.

The winery, according to the report, is proposing to add 23,000 square feet of floor area that would also include a greenhouse, an entertainment/cabana building, a guest house/art studio, and an "agricultural building."

Go to tinyurl.com/PVwinery to view the staff report. Turn to Page 4.

The ASCC held an on-site public meeting Monday, Nov. 23, and reviewed the proposal at its meeting that night, after The Almanac's print deadline.

Check TheAlmanacOnline for updates.