East County News Service
April 29, 2026 (San Diego County) — Wine not change for the better? That’s a question that will likely be tackled soon as San Diego County officials seek to modernize the region’s winery ordinance.
To start the grapes rolling, the county needs residents to share their thoughts on the backcountry economy’s future — balancing a burgeoning wine industry with the quiet of rural life.
The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services has announced the first in a series of focus group meetings about the Tiered Winery Rural Residential Expansion Project. The first meeting, set for noon Wednesday, May 13, marks a critical step in a multi-year effort of updating the ordinance.
The expansion project grew out of a 2024 Feasibility Analysis, which explored whether wineries could successfully operate in Rural Residential (RR) zones. These zones currently are dedicated to housing and small-scale agriculture, but the County is looking to establish clear, consistent criteria that would allow wineries to take root without disrupting the landscape.
For the region’s agricultural economy, the stakes are high. By bringing wineries into RR zones, the County is looking to push agritourism and create new revenue streams for local farmers.
But the proposal isn’t just about growth, it’s also about harmony.
The upcoming meeting will dive into the technical details that often cause friction between businesses and neighbors. Key topics on the table include:
Noise Buffers and Setbacks: Specific rules for where and how amplified live music can be played;
Outdoor Seating Capacity: Determining the appropriate footprint for “Boutique Wineries” to ensure crowds remain manageable;
Zoning and Environmental Review: An overview of proposed changes to operating standards and the project’s status under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Planning & Development Services officials are calling for a broad range of perspectives, specifically inviting RR zone residents, agritourism partners and agricultural resource organizations to provide feedback.
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person at the County operations center or join virtually via Zoom. The meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m., in person at 5560 Overland Ave., Room 172 in San Diego. Alternatively, you can Join via Zoom here.
The May 13 meeting is only the beginning of the community’s involvement. Planning & Development Services has outlined a roadmap this summer to ensure all voices are heard before the proposal reaches the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
A second focus group meeting will be held in mid-June to demonstrate how community feedback has been incorporated into the operational standards and permitting pathways.
An Open House in mid-July will serve as a final opportunity for residents to ask questions and submit comments before the draft language is finalized.
For more information on the project and to view the 2024 Feasibility Analysis, visit the County’s Tiered Winery Rural Expansion portal.