08/22/2025
Now is the time to get your voice heard for the new wine county ordinance. You have until Sept 15.
Dear RVVA Friends,
The County’s proposed changes to the Winery Ordinance are now in public comment, and this is our moment to speak up. Opportunities like this only come around about once every 8–10 years—so even if the changes don’t affect you directly today, they will shape the future of San Diego County wine for years to come.
If you've already sent in comments, thank you!
The truth is, many of our local wineries are already struggling—some have closed their doors, grapes are going unsold, and small businesses that depend on winery traffic are disappearing. These changes could make it even harder for the ones still standing to survive.
Here is a link to the County’s current FAQ documents outlining what is allowed under the existing ordinance—and what’s not. Please take a few minutes to review them so you can see exactly how the rules work today and why it's important we weight in.
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/pds/docs/PDS586.pdf
I know you care about preserving our wine country, our farmland, and the small businesses that make this community unique, and encourage you to please take the time to submit your comments. Ask your favorite grape grower, small business, or winery how they’re doing—you may be surprised by their answer.
We’re asking every member to send written comments in on the unintended negative consequences of the draft update. Your input will help ensure the County understands how these changes could impact small, rural wineries like ours.
Outdoor Seating Cap (20 Seats Max) – Unrealistic for rural wineries and harmful to business viability. Outdoor tasting is essential for safety, space, and showcasing San Diego’s unique wine country experience.
Restrictions on Non-Agricultural Events – Prohibits art classes, yoga, and community meetings that connect the public to agriculture.
Sound Setback Requirements – New 200’ set-back rule is unnecessary and costly, and our boutique wineries already comply with County noise ordinances. Avoid redefining the noise requirements with a winery ordinance distance requirement, or decibel table, since noise is very unique to the site and the limited complaints that have been filed against wineries in the last 8 years of data have not been driven by noise levels at wineries (even wineries with live amplified music).
Ticketing Restrictions & Private Events – Limits our ability to manage crowds, ensure safety, and host wine club gatherings.
Ambiguity on Winery Closures for Private Events – Needs clear allowance for wine club events closed to the public.
Accurate Winery Counts – County’s stated numbers are far below reality; Ramona alone has over 45 licensed tasting rooms; let our voices per heard so they realize the impact is greated than assumed. Grandfather existing wineries operating under prior ordinances. Clarify that agricultural production buildings (not open to the public) are exempt from commercial code. Include a fair enforcement process with notice, evidence and time to correct before issuing citations.
Economic & Cultural Impact – These changes risk harming agritourism, small businesses, and rural culture. Attached document talks about the ripple effect of wineries.
💬 How to Comment
Please send your comments by August 20th (or no later than September 15th for late submissions) to:
📧 [email protected]
Subject line: “Zoning Ordinance Updates”
Process Improvement Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Wineries are economic anchors in our rural communities. When we struggle, dozens of interconnected small businesses, families, and community assets are impacted.
A business-friendly ordinance is essential to preserving this ecosystem. We need every voice—big or small—to help protect the future of our wine region.
Everyone's comments matter, from our friends, fellow business owners, vineyard and winery members.
I encourage you to share this with your customers, friends and family, asking them to also provide supportive written comments.
Link to the article⬇️⬇️
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/07/28/proposed-updates-to-county-winery-ordinance-focus-on-live-music-issues/
