Winery’s long legal battle with Napa County gets new ally with track record of wins

A Napa Valley vintner who has been locked in a legal battle with county officials for several years over allowed wine tasting and visitor activities now is facing a new county court order to pay almost $4 million in fines and legal fees.

Meanwhile, a 53-year-old legal defense group with a long track record of successfully challenging government power all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court has stepped in to help Hoopes Vineyard with the case.

Late last month, Napa County Superior Court Judge Mark Boessenecker finalized his Nov.