News & Updates

April 2026 Update

Yesterday, a California Court of Appeals temporarily stayed enforcement of the nearly $4 million in fines and attorney fees against Lindsey Hoopes. The stay allows Hoopes to remain open for business and continue her fight against what she argues are unconstitutional fines for operating her winery in compliance with state law. I’ve attached that grant order to the email.  

Lindsay Hoopes, proprietor of Hoopes Vineyard, was fined nearly $4 million by Napa County for allowing guests to consume wine on the property. Although she obtained the required license to serve wine on the premises from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the County declared her operations a public nuisance and went directly to court. Hoopes argues that the penalties violate the Excessive Fines Clause of the U.S. and California Constitutions. 

“This case gets to the heart of the Constitution’s protection against excessive fines,” says Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Bridget Conlan. “The government cannot impose crushing penalties on small business owners like Lindsey Hoopes for lawful conduct. Courts have a duty to ensure that fines are proportionate and respect fundamental rights.” 

January 2026 Update

Pacific Legal Foundation represents Hoopes Vineyard 

August 2025 Update

No final judgment has been entered. The property is still operating as usual because the court of appeal stayed all enforcement action in March and that stay is still in effect.