Orange Winery Expansion Plans Denied

ORANGE, CT — The Town Plan and Zoning Commission denied Stappa Vineyard’s plan to expand parking on its property after neighbors complained that the winery was growing beyond its initial approved intent.

The commission voted unanimously last month to deny the addition of 31 additional parking spaces and additional tables for outdoor seating.

Owners of the winery intend to appeal the decision in state court, according to the New Haven Register.

The Planning and Zoning Board was careful to make sure there wouldn’t be a kitchen or food trucks at the vineyard when it approved its original application, Chair Oscar Parente said, according to meeting minutes.

Outdoor dining would be at least 50 feet away from neighbors and the number of grapevines would be increased as an additional buffer, said attorney Joe Porto, who represented the winery owners.

The winery’s indoor capacity is for 100 patrons, and regulations would only allow for 10 outdoor patrons. Porto expressed amazement that only one patron would be allowed per acre of land outside, according to meeting minutes.

Porto argued that the state law that loosened outdoor dining regulations should be taken into consideration.

Two residents spoke in opposition to the expansion, and another two wrote letters in opposition. Nearby resident Owen Weaver said that the winery is a nice establishment, but it has turned into an outdoor wine bar. He said he bought the house next to the vineyard with existing regulations in mind.