Wine country looks easy on a mood board: vineyard rows, golden light, a long table. On the ground, the first question is whose land you're standing on, because that decides which permit you need. Confirm current requirements with each office before you shoot.
Figure out the jurisdiction first
A single wine country shoot can touch several authorities:
- A city, like Napa or Sonoma, for anything on city streets or property
- The county, for unincorporated land, which is where many wineries sit
- A state park, with its own permit process
- A private winery or vineyard, which needs the owner's written permission whatever else applies
Napa
The City of Napa requires a film permit for filming on city property or in public places when a shoot affects traffic, parking, sidewalks, or parks. It's issued by the Parks and Recreation Services department, with a certificate of insurance and use fees (City of Napa permits). Most vineyard and winery shoots are outside city limits, so they depend on the property owner's consent and the county's rules.
Sonoma
In unincorporated Sonoma County, Permit Sonoma handles filming. If your crew or equipment will encroach on the road right-of-way, you'll need a Special Event Permit, and many county roads limit how far equipment can extend from the road (Filming in Sonoma County). Inside the City of Sonoma, a film permit is required for all commercial filming. Sonoma County Regional Parks require their own special use permit.
State parks
For California state parks, the California Film Commission offers free online permitting. Applications are due four business days, or 96 hours, before your first prep or shoot day, and weekends and holidays don't count (California State Parks filming permits).
Working with wineries
- Get permission in writing, with the exact areas you can use and the hours.
- Ask about harvest. Late summer into fall is the busiest time of year in the vineyards and the cellar.
- Tasting rooms are open to the public. Plan around visitors, or book before opening.
- Vineyard rows are working farmland. Ask before driving vehicles or setting stands between them.
Drive time and light
Plan on an hour or more each way from San Francisco, and more at rush hour. If you're chasing golden hour over the vines, schedule the drive so you arrive set up, not unloading, when the light turns.
A van-sized grip truck is easier on narrow winery roads and gravel lots than a cube truck. Tell us the location and we'll plan the load around it.
