After two years of efforts — and just in time for spring and summer tourists — some Ramona wineries are now legally allowed to have live music playing on their property.
The change, effective immediately, took place after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 11 to amend the county zoning ordinance to allow amplified live music at boutique wineries.
Boutique wineries, one of four tiers of wineries allowed in the county, are typically small, family-owned operations. The boutique winery tier had allowed wineries to open tasting rooms “by-right,” but banned live music to maintain “good neighbor” rules.
“I’m pleased with the revision to the ordinance and that it was unanimously accepted,” said Sue Robinson, president of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association and co-owner of Correcaminos Winery with her husband, Doug.
“I think it’s a good change and we can get on with the music now.”
County officials said in a statement that the amendment “aims to boost the economic viability of wineries in unincorporated areas by enhancing visitor experiences while maintaining compatibility with surrounding rural communities.”
The amendment places clear limits on noise, occupancy, licensing and other requirements, ensuring “these changes balance business growth with community standards,” the statement said.
Major provisions include music being limited to daytime hours, ending at sunset or 6 p.m. during winter months and ticketed concerts being prohibited.
Robinson said the change has taken two years of concentrated effort among the RVVA, the Board of Supervisors, the county Planning Commission and other agencies.
As Ramona’s wine industry has grown — there are now more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms scattered around town — a number of wineries began hiring local musicians to play at their venues.
But a Ramona resident complained to the county that the venues were holding events without proper permits.
Obtaining a permit, however, was not always possible due to the way the boutique winery ordinances were written. The owner has to be on agricultural land to have a winery, but at the same time was unable to get an entertainment permit if they were on agricultural land, Robinson explained at the time.
Although it was a gray area, many of the boutique wineries continued with the musical events, which were extremely popular with their guests.
The issue came to a head at the end of January 2024, when several Ramona wineries received cease-and-desist letters from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
After that, winery owners, community leaders and others began discussions with county supervisors, with the hope of making changes to the ordinance, including allowing live music, which was growing in popularity.
Robinson said there are still some sticking points, however.
“There is a strict 50-decibel limit at the property line,” she said. “Music speakers must also be 200 feet from the property line, and not a lot of wineries have the ability to do that.”
A sound study, completed by the county, didn’t take into account factors such as soft landscaping and concrete, which affect the noise levels, she said.
Winery owners also want to make sure there is an avenue for exceptions for properties unable to meet the 200-foot requirement, she said.
Some changes that had been proposed to the ordinance, such as limiting wineries to five tables and 20 guests, were removed,
Winery owners still have a few hoops to jump through to meet the requirements of the ordinance, such as having an entertainment license for some events.
“Events such as yoga and art classes are still restricted, and that is another area still being worked on,” Robinson said. Many of the extra events and classes, while not strictly related to wine, fall under agritourism and winery owners believe should be allowed.
Some winery owners, such as Shelly Montgomery, co-owner of Old Julian Vineyards and Winery, have mixed emotions about the ordinance change. The winery received one of the 2024 cease-and-desist letters.
“While we’re thrilled the ordinance is moving forward, we would like more answers before commenting,” Montgomery said. “We’re waiting for clarification on the final details.”
Winery owners do appreciate the timing of the Board of Supervisors’ decision, Robinson said.
“Getting these changes approved before the busy season allows us to move forward responsibly,” she said.