County weighs in on wine, music
Another requirement surfaced recently for wine-tasting rooms that want to hire acoustic musicians to entertain patrons.
In addition to obtaining an entertainment license from the sheriff’s department, the wineries cannot advertise the music, said the county’s Planning and Development Services (PDS).
County staff also said a distinction must be made between acoustic background music and an event. If one musician with an acoustic instrument performs background music at a boutique winery, that is allowed, providing the winery has an entertainment license and does not advertise.
However, county staff stated, “If there is a group of acoustic performers and they (winery) are advertising an event, then it’s an event and not allowed.”
So, what defines advertising? Does that include posting an announcement of music on a winery website or Facebook page?
The Sentinel did not receive clarification from PDS before press time, but County Supervisor Dianne Jacob weighed in on the matter.
“The county’s policies on this issue are out of sync, and I’ll be working with county staff to iron out what is and isn’t required,” Jacob said in an email to the Sentinel. “San Diego County’s winery ordinance has been a huge success, particularly in the Ramona area, but we need to continue to fine-tune it.”
John Schwaesdall, owner of Schwaesdall Winery, said he obtained an entertainment license from the sheriff’s department about seven months ago so he could occasionally offer music. Schwaesdall noted he also has a major use permit for his winery.
The issue of music came to light in mid-May when Ramona Ranch Winery owners were contacted by the sheriff’s department licensing division and told they needed an entertainment license to allow a musician to play at their tasting room. The notification prevented acoustic guitarist Michael Dwyer from continuing to perform at Ramona Ranch, at least for now. He expressed his disappointment.
“It’s part of my living. I make a living playing music,” he said.
Dwyer has also played at Eagles Nest Winery where co-owner Dennis Grimes said that in securing clarification on the issue of acoustic music at by-right wineries, there have been “clear and fundamental communication process and transparency shortfalls.”
PDS emphasized that even with an entertainment license, amplified music is not allowed at boutique wineries.