Seghesio: Bigger Events, (Not Too) Louder Music

HEALDSBURG, CA — Seghesio's attempt to turn up the volume and events came to a close after pivoting on a single word that could eventually mean many things to many people.

However, Healdsburg commissioners inserted the one word—“lightly”—into Seghesio Winery’s condition for amplified music at the 700 Grove St. winery.

The decision will become final after the appeal period unless someone files a written appeal with the City Council within 10 calendar days of the commission’s action.

The permit allows Seghesio to hold as many as 28 winery-related events annually with no more than 125 guests, plus four larger events with as many as 200 people.

The four larger events must take place on Saturdays or Sundays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and may include Passport to Dry Creek and Zin & BBQ.

The amendment also allows "lightly amplified" music in The Grove during the winery’s 32 annual events. It prohibits concert-type amplified performances.

Speakers must face east toward the winery and away from homes across Grove Street.

Seghesio must install a noise barrier measuring at least 7 feet high around the western, southwestern, and northwestern sides of the performance area during events with amplified sound.

Winery managers must monitor sound levels with a handheld decibel meter and have one on hand in the case of complaints.

The winery’s noise consultant also plans to train employees to calibrate and operate the equipment.

Lightly amplified

Commissioners added the word “lightly” after Grove Street resident Matthew Isaacs raised concerns about constant music and low-frequency bass.

“One time last year, Seghesio had a DJ playing music that was incredibly loud,” Isaacs said. “It wasn’t so much the volume, it was the bass. It was thumping.”

Isaacs said passing vehicles create brief bursts of sound, while amplified music could continue throughout an event.

“We’re talking about a constant here with music going from 10 a.m. till 5,” Isaacs said. “So there’s really no reprieve.”

He told commissioners that neighbors did not oppose lightly amplified music but wanted protection from louder performances.

“What we want to avoid is loud amplifiers playing loud music for seven, eight hours a day,” Isaacs said.

Seghesio tested amplified music after commissioners requested more information about sound impacts during a September 2025 hearing. The winery withdrew that application the following month and later conducted an environmental noise assessment and supplemental acoustical testing.

The winery constructed a temporary plywood barrier around one of two gazebos to simulate the sound blankets it plans to install during events. The blankets would enclose the sides of the gazebo and cover vents in its roof.

Noise consultant Fred Svinth said amplified music measured between the high 40s and 60 decibels at the closest residential property line. Average levels reached the mid-50s, he said.

“It’s 10 dB lower than the standard, which 10 decibels is half as loud,” Svinth said.

Traffic on Grove Street produced readings between 65 and 70 decibels during the test, Svinth said. He told commissioners that passing traffic would likely mask some of the music.

Svinth said the winery stopped increasing the volume during the test because its site manager wanted guests to remain comfortable and able to hold conversations.

The proposed barriers could reduce amplified sound by approximately 10 to 12 decibels, according to the analysis.

City staff concluded that Seghesio could comply with applicable noise limits if the winery followed the required mitigation measures.

The permit also recognizes seasonal tasting-room hours. Seghesio may operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between May and October and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between November and April.

The commission previously approved winery events in November 2024 but limited attendance to 125 guests and allowed only acoustic music. Seghesio later requested larger events and amplified outdoor music.

City staff concluded that the winery’s 120 parking spaces could accommodate the approved events. City rules require 67 parking spaces for an event with 200 guests.