SAN DIEGO – July 1, 2020 – The San Diego County Vintners Association (SDCVA), the largest winery trade association in San Diego County, clarified the County of San Diego’s order for closure of bars, breweries and wineries following the San Diego COVID-19 Update Press Conference yesterday. In section 14C (the last sentence) of the Health Officer Order, it states local wineries with an outdoor service space can remain open for wine service – which could include tasting, by the glass or bottle – in that space without the requirement to serve a meal with a wine purchase.

The order also states that wineries without an outdoor service space may remain open for wine service if they provide meals with a wine purchase. Further, wineries unable to provide service in an outdoor space or serve food may continue to stay open for wine bottle sales to go. https://geembi.com

“We are grateful to the County, and Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Jim Desmond in particular, for their efforts to understand how San Diego County wineries can safely provide wine service in an outdoor setting where physical distancing can be observed,” said SDCVA President and Owner of Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery Ed Embly. “Most of the 142 wineries in the county are family owned and rely on direct to consumer sales. And consumers seem to appreciate being able to try great local wines, eat meals at the wineries that serve food or visit https://getzonedup.com/ wineries with outdoor patios that allow them to keep at least six feet away from other patrons while enjoying San Diego wines and incredible views of our backcountry or spacious patios at urban wineries.”

Since 2012, San Diego County has experienced steady growth in the number of active winegrower licenses and new wineries according a 2019 Economic Impact of San Diego Wineries report from the San Diego County Vintners Association. There are currently 181 winegrower licenses (the ABC permit required to operate a vineyard/winery), and 142 active and under construction wineries in the county.

For a list of San Diego County wineries visit www.sandiegowineries.org.

About the San Diego County Vintners Association

The San Diego County Vintners Association (SDCVA) is a non-profit trade association that supports the winemaking community throughout San Diego County (south of Temecula). With 142 artisan and family-owned wineries and vineyards throughout the county, and a wide range of microclimates allowing for cultivation of a wide variety of grape types, San Diego County wine country is extremely diverse.  The ways to enjoy San Diego wine are diverse, too. From stylish urban wineries, to award-winning tasting rooms and picturesque vineyards, San Diego provides an array of ways to discover artisanal wines. www.sandiegowineries.org Follow SDCVA on Facebook and Instagram.

San Diego County – where California wine began . . .  

 

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