A group of nearly a dozen Napa Valley wineries and grape growers filed a lawsuit last week against luxury producer Hundred Acre Winery, its owner Jayson Woodbridge, and contractor Juan Luis Gutierrez Marfil. The legal action, filed in Napa County Superior Court, alleges that the defendants are responsible for the 2025 Pickett Fire, which plaintiffs say caused approximately $90 million in losses. The lawsuit claims the fire originated on Hundred Acre’s Calistoga property due to the negligent disposal of hot ashes.
The litigation follows criminal charges brought against Marfil in August, including a felony count of recklessly causing a fire to a structure and forest. According to charging documents, Marfil admitted to investigators from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) that he placed hot ashes into a burn pile. Marfil pleaded not guilty at his September arraignment. While Woodbridge and Hundred Acre face these civil claims, neither has been charged with a crime related to the incident.
The civil complaint alleges that Woodbridge directed the burning of debris to prepare the property for a wedding, despite a Cal Fire suspension of burn permits due to weather conditions. The plaintiffs, which include Robert Foley Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, and Neal Family Vineyards, argue that smoke from the 6,800-acre fire contaminated their grapes. Hundred Acre spokesperson Sam Singer denied the allegations, stating that the plaintiffs sustained little to no smoke damage and characterizing the lawsuit as an attempt to exploit the industry during a period of declining demand.
The dispute highlights the financial and legal risks associated with "smoke taint," a condition where wildfire smoke compounds penetrate grapes and create off-flavors in wine. Because luxury wineries often refuse to use tainted grapes to maintain their quality standards, a single fire event can result in a total loss of annual revenue for a vineyard. This case also touches on local land-use regulations, as the plaintiffs allege the fire occurred during preparations for a wedding held without a special permit. Hundred Acre maintains the event was a private gathering for staff and family and noted that Napa County issued no citations regarding the party.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how liability is assigned in wildfire-related smoke damage claims between private landowners. Hundred Acre has stated it will fight the lawsuit and will not pay claims it believes lack merit. Marfil’s criminal case remains ongoing following his September plea. The civil suit seeking a jury trial and damages is now proceeding in Napa County Superior Court, though specific trial dates or deadlines for further filings were not reported.