House Family Vineyards to remain open in Saratoga after resident pushback

House Family Vineyards will remain open at a limited capacity while it works on its permanent permits after years of operating  in Saratoga without them.

The family-owned vineyard, located at 13336 Old Oak Road, was granted a temporary compliance permit this August, but a group of residents appealed it, citing noise levels, traffic concerns, safety issues and the family’s history of noncompliance with the city.

Saratoga City Council voted at its Wednesday meeting to reject that appeal and allow the winery to offer tastings by appointment only, with limited hours until Sept. 30, 2023, under the terms of its temporary permit.

More than 100 people attended the virtual meeting, and 49 people spoke during public comment. Many voiced support for the winery, while others expressed concerns about noise and safety.

“I believe that the vineyard and winery operations add a wonderful connection to the agricultural and winemaking past of Saratoga,” resident Steve Coates said. “It is an excellent resource for the citizens of Saratoga.”

Resident Mohini Balakrishnan said the approval of House Family Vineyards’ temporary permit would set a precedent for other businesses who avoid necessary permits.

“The city has a responsibility to protect the hillside residents by maintaining the integrity of residential hillside zoning and not further endangering residents by working with one noncompliant resident who would change the semi-rural nature of Saratoga forever,” Balakrishnan said.

Council itself was divided. Vice Mayor Kookie Fitzsimmons and councilmembers Rishi Kumar and Mary-Lynne Bernald were in favor of the winery staying open, while Mayor Tina Walia and Yan Zhao were against it.

Under the  temporary permit, House will move its tastings to Izumi Point, a Zen garden on the property full of stone art designed by Japanese artist Masatoshi Izumi.

Nancy Lietzke, who filed the appeal, outlined the history of House Family Vineyards’ lack of permits and compliance with the city .

“Many residents bought homes before Dave House built homes and planted vines,” Lietzke said. “No one expected a quiet, semi-rural hillside one day to have a large commercial operation.”

The vineyard opened 10 years ago and expanded to become a popular tasting room with an open-air deck and sweeping views of Silicon Valley.

Dave House, owner of the vineyard, started planting grapes as a hobby before teaming up with soil and weather experts throughout the early 2000s and ultimately expanding the business.

“Gathering places are the glue that hold communities together. Restaurants, schools, churches, parks… are where people bond with friends and family,” said House. “They are happy places where people smile and share. House Family Vineyards is one of Saratoga’s favorite gathering places, with its views overlooking the valley on one side and the mountains on the other side.”