(NVR) - Girard winery’s plans for a new winemaking facility near Calistoga ran into 2-2 tie vote Wednesday, Oct. 21, by the Napa County Planning Commission, which equaled denial.

Patrick Roney of applicant Vintage Wine Estates said as he left the commission chamber that he would appeal the denial to the Board of Supervisors.

Girard winery wants to build on 27 acres at 1077 Dunaweal Lane. The winery is requesting up to 200,000 gallons of wine annually and have up to 550 visitors a week, not counting marketing events.

The 32,771-square-foot building would be up to 34 feet tall with two cupolas reaching 45 feet into the air.

Commissioners Anne Cottrell and Heather Phillips had concerns about a wastewater system on the Girard property that is already used by Clos Pegase winery across the street. Vintage Wine Estates bought Clos Pegase in 2013 and proposed to use the same system for both Clos Pegase and Girard.

“I just don’t see the General Plan or zoning ordinance contemplated this type of ‘doubling up,’” Cottrell said.

She expressed concern that the General Plan environmental impact report didn’t look at the impacts of this type of combination. She expressed concern about what would happen if one of the properties sold and the intensity of use by having a shared wastewater system on a 27-acre parcel.

Commissioners Michael Basayne and Terry Scott voted in favor of the project.

“This is a well-designed facility in and of itself, certainly in regards to context and landscaping, as well as architectural design,” Basayne said.

Both he and Scott liked the idea that approving the Girard winery would allow Girard to make wine from Napa Valley grapes in Napa Valley. Girard presently exports grapes to a facility in Sonoma County to make wine.

New Commissioner Jeri Gill recused herself from the Girard decision, saying she didn’t have time to review the lengthy administrative record that goes back to 2014.