HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201600003 Public Engagement Plan 2016-03-15Public Engagement Plan
Farm Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries Events ZTA
Project Description
Under State law, farm wineries, breweries, and distilleries ("FWBDs") are allowed to hold events and
activities to market and sell their products. These activities and events may range from inviting the
public to participate in a harvest to holding weddings and wedding receptions. The County's authority to
regulate these events and activities is limited by State law.
Over the past three years, changes to the Virginia State Code have prompted the Board to amend the
County's regulation of activities and events at FWBDs, most recently amending the Zoning Ordinance on
December 9, 2015 to add regulations for farm distilleries that parallel those for farm wineries and farm
breweries. While the County's regulations attempt to strike a balance between fostering the economic
success of these agricultural enterprises and safeguarding the property rights of surrounding neighbors,
the growing interest in holding events in the Rural Areas and the perceived ease by which State
Alcoholic Beverage Control ("ABC") licenses for FWBDs has raised some concern about the individual
and cumulative impacts resulting from these activities and events. This concern is heightened because
license requirements for FWBDs require little or no agriculture on site. This provides an opportunity for
FWBDs to be established on sites with no connection to agriculture, contrary to the underlying purposes
of the State's zoning laws, the Rural Area chapter of the County's Comprehensive Plan, and the express
purpose of the Rural Areas zoning district. Under State zoning laws, the County's authority to regulate
activities and events at FWBDs requires that the County consider the "economic impact" of any
regulation, the "agricultural nature" of the activities and events, and whether the activities and events
are "usual and customary." County regulation of usual and customary activities and events is permitted
only if their impacts are substantial.
The proposed scope of the Phase 2 ZTA is to strengthen the requisite relationship between activities and
events at FWBDs and their agricultural nature, and to clarify how and to what extent activities and
events are usual and customary at FWBDs, particularly at those FWBDs where there is little or no
agriculture on-site. The ZTA also will ensure that the agricultural purposes of the Rural Areas are
preserved, that FWBDs are able to continue as successful agricultural enterprises, and that possible
adverse impacts resulting from activities and events at FWBDs are minimized. Certain by right activities
of FWBDs, such as the growing, harvesting, production, tasting, and direct sales associated with the
manufacture of alcoholic beverages, are protected under State law and fall outside of the scope of this
ZTA.
This public engagement plan is focused on ensuring stakeholder involvement and input in possible
revisions to the County's regulation of activities and events at FWBDs to address some of these
concerns.
Stakeholders
Local farm wineries
Local cideries
Local farm distilleries
Local farm breweries
Rural Area residents
The Agricultural Forestal Committee
Interest groups such as the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Southern Environmental Law
Center, the Free Enterprise Forum and the Chamber of Commerce
The Farm Bureau
Monticello Wine Trail businesses
The Virginia Wine Council
Public Participation Goals
The specific goals of the plan are as follows:
Solicit input from current and prospective County farm wineries, cideries, breweries, and
distilleries, as well as from residents and property owners, on the regulation of activities and
events at FWBDs
Meet with industry stakeholders to understand how proposed changes in the regulation of
activities and events may impact farm wineries, cideries, farm breweries and farm distilleries
Help stakeholders understand the differences in State ABC licensing and State zoning laws
pertaining to farm wineries, farm breweries, and farm distilleries and how these laws affect how
they may be regulated under the County's zoning regulations
Explore criteria that will strengthen the requisite relationship between activities and events at
FWBDs and their agricultural nature.
Explore how and to what extent activities and events are usual and customary at FWBDs,
particularly at those FWBDs where there is little or no agriculture on-site.
Understand the current relationship between activities and events at FWBDs and marketing and
selling products.
Explore criteria for determining adverse impacts to use in evaluating FWBD activities and events
and how to minimize impacts on other properties.
Ensure stakeholders share realistic expectations about the scope and timeline for the zoning
text amendment process and opportunities to be involved
Public Participation Activities
Staff anticipates holding a series of roundtable discussions with key stakeholder groups (wineries,
cideries, breweries, distilleries, and Rural Area neighbors) beginning in April 2016. The purpose of the
roundtable discussions will be to seek input from various stakeholder groups on potential changes to the
regulation of activities and events at FWBDs, including a potential requirement of the presence of
agriculture in determining eligibility to host activities and events. In order to maximize the County's
understanding of potential impacts on the different industry stakeholders, staff will host a separate
roundtable for each stakeholder group.
Once the roundtable discussions are complete, staff will hold a work session with the Planning
Commission prior to a public hearing. Staff anticipates returning to the Board in early summer for a
public hearing on a draft zoning text amendment. Staff will provide periodic updates to stakeholders,
including opportunities to be involved, through an electronic mailing list and the County website.
Roles and Responsibilities
Albemarle County Staff — County staff will serve as the point of contact for disseminating information to
and fielding questions from the public related to the zoning text amendment process. Staff will organize
and facilitate the community engagement process and will utilize stakeholder input to the draft zoning
text amendment. Staff will bring recommendations related to the zoning text amendment to the
Planning Commission and the Board for review and comment.
Board of Supervisors —The Board of Supervisors (BOS) will provide direction to staff on the scope and
direction of the zoning text amendment related to farm wineries, farm breweries and farm distilleries
and has final decision making authority on the amendment. The BOS will appoint one or two BOS
liaison(s) to represent the Board throughout the community engagement process.
Board of Supervisors liaison(s) —The BOS liaison(s) will be invited to participate in all community
engagement activities and serve as a conduit for sharing information with the Board throughout the
community engagement process.
Planning Commission —The Planning Commission (PC) will provide input in the development of the draft
ZTA and will make a recommendation for action to the Board. The PC will appoint one PC liaison to
represent the PC throughout the community engagement process.
Planning Commission liaison — The PC liaison will be invited to participate in all community engagement
activities and serve as a conduit for sharing information with the PC throughout the community
engagement process.
Evaluation
Staff will evaluate levels of public participation and will make changes as necessary to ensure a broad
degree of representation across all stakeholder groups.
Farm Wineries & Cideries Roundtable
May 3, 2016
Break Out Group #1
Current/ Prospective Farm Wineries & Cideries Represented:
Jeff Sanders - Glasshouse Winery/Monticello Wine Trail; 20 years
Alexia Richards - Roslyn Farm Winery
Richard Fox -- Roslyn Farm Winery
Charlotte Shelton - Albemarle Ciderworks (7 years)
Stuart King -- King Vineyards -1998
Elizabeth Smith - Afton Mtn Vineyard
Tim Edmond - Potter's Craft Cider - 5 years
To what extent do you rely on other producers for components?
o none
o just starting grapes
o produce about 1/3 of fruit used; rest local
o started as grower; now purchase up to 50% from off property; planting more grapes to get back
to 100% on-site
o none
o leasing, so little production on site
Besides tasting rooms, what events/activities are typical for your business; how are they tied to ag?
o all activities are for sales of products; scale of production is small
0 on-site sales critical for profits; avoids costs of distribution; events use and promote on-site
products; what problem is County trying to fix?
o main tie to ag is customers' desire to be on farm; always require events to use winery's own
products
o how do you define a "bad actor"?
o Other types of events? Corporate events, institutional/UVA events, retreats, year-end parties,
private parties
If the County was to require a minimum amount of agriculture for hosting on-site events, what criteria
should the County consider?
o minimum acreage unfair to small properties
o percentage production harder for breweries/distilleries; does a small producer that grows and
starts using more off-site produce get disqualified from doing events?
o consider early production years; "good actors" might have minimal on-site production while
getting established. Is a "bad actor" defined by lack of production?
o legislation shouldn't protect residential development
o Wine Trail sees potential problem with events; concerned about non -wineries "taking us down
with them"; however, (1) grandfathering is important; (2) beware unintended consequences; (3)
focus on events, not on existence of wineries. WT might not oppose requirement for "real
agriculture," but defining production is difficult. On-site sales critical to wineries etc in this
area. Education occurs with on-site activities and sales, not just events.
o essential to have customers on-site to sell products. Sales are seasonal and coincide with event
season.
o 50 -trip limit too small
Aware of impacts reported by customers or neighbors; how have you addressed them?
o how to cover extremes of varied RA locations in one regulation?
o good relationship with neighbors; no complaints.
o heard of complaints about helicopters at other winery (frost prevention, not rides)
o noise ordinance still applies; believes there is no problem, therefore don't try to regulate
o Contact with neighbors? No standard, but several wineries have ties with neighbors
Anything else the County should consider about events?
o consider importance of tourism to economy; what is "significant impact"?
o shouldn't limit events based on impacts that can be mitigated; regulations not helping RA
protection
o difficult even for producers to define what "real production" is; what does County need to
make determinations?
o can see slim potential for problems; difficult to implement controls
Observer comments
o Piedmont Environmental Council - main complaints heard are about traffic, buses; also noise
from amplified music, fireworks;
o Free Enterprise Forum - (1) need to recognize that many farm wineries are farms first - any
agricultural use should be counted in a minimum; (2) acreage counts would need to be planted,
not producing; (3) grandfathering; should be tied to site, not to owner or winery license; (4)
cideries and wineries are fundamentally different from breweries and distilleries - should leave
cideries/wineries the same, but consider events at breweries/distilleries differently; (5) staff
should follow up with event operators to find out what they've done to avoid neighbor issues
to help find best practices.
o Virginia Wine Council - not sure how process will help with one existing problem; wants to be
assured that any changes would actually solve problem; grandfathering needs to be tied to land
o Rural resident - events should be secondary; if events become primary, agricultural character
lost; need balance
o David Thomas - farm winery license doesn't require planting or production; what is the
revenue mix from product sales vs. events (not necessarily based on products)?; revenue mix
may be a good indicator
■ Albemarle Ciderworks - event income covers farm costs
Break Out Group #2
Current/ Prospective Farm Wineries & Cideries Represented:
Pippin Hill (2 people)
First Colony
Potter's Craft
King
Veritas
Valley Road
Roslyn Farm
Blenheim
Loving Cup
Keswick
1. Reliance on other producers?
Two existing wineries said they currently use 60-70% of their own products and plan to increase it to
100% in the near future.
One of the newer cideries said they are buying most of their fruit. Their products take longer to reach
production level.
Another winery said they are planting more and obtaining yields from plantings onsite.
2. Typical events and activities?
Wine club pickups is a common activity.
Mr. King read from HB 463 in January 2008 from the Albro list of about 24 activities. Said they were
afraid of codifying this because they thought it would be limiting.
General agreement that they serve wine at all events.
When asked about events at the vineyard or orchard - not much activity. One person said they have
the wine club help plant.
Someone mentioned that disc golf was denied elsewhere as an accessory use, that there was a challenge
with a proposed maze. There isn't a bright line, although a better line for wineries.
Promotion is critical - to create brand connection between visitors and the wine. Want people to buy
and come back. Need to consider non-traditional marketing promotion.
3. Criteria for minimum onsite ag criteria?
Someone said basically vines and tasting room. "Know it when you see it."
Percentage of land is not relevant because there are different size properties.
Dense orchard can result in up to 2000 trees/acre.
How to consider leased land or land physically separate (maybe by some distance)?
The metric of production depends on so many factors.
Question of using revenue as a metric. Many responded they were not comfortable providing this.
Economic Development stated that the State won't allow unless it's self -disclosed.
Question of when it's an event versus tasting activity? Example of special wine release.
Staff asked if it would be reasonable if there was a requirement for a tasting room with regular hours
(only defined as not by appointment only). One cidery said it would be a hardship.
4. Approaches to dealing with neighbor concerns, typically noise and traffic?
Many are encouraging the use of bus rental (better for traffic and use of alcohol by drivers).
Value of reaching out and establishing positive relationships with neighbors. Do all you can.
Communication is critical, such as with frost patrols.
With the allowance for multiple permanent remotes, the production may be on a separate parcel from
the tasting room.
This separation might make sense for traffic and access.
How to regulate to avoid Oasis? Farm breweries and distilleries don't have the background of
wineries. How to avoid getting sideways with agriculture versus what is not. Some are buying 100%
of the product. Trying to regulate some, they are not all the same. The language "agricultural nature
of" is critical.
One winery reminded everyone that wineries do have the history. This is not an adversarial process
and they should work with staff. It will protect the good actors.
Winery asked staff if existing businesses would be grandfathered? Staff responded that ultimately it's
up to the Board. Anyone who has begun a use that later becomes regulated is entitled to vested rights.
We have grandfathered existing establishments for some of the prior work.
How does it affect businesses who have not yet started events? What about businesses who move to
different property?
Rural Area Neighbors Roundtable
May 2, 2016
Participants
Sue Albrecht, Bob & Nancy Breci, Antoinette & Ben Brewster, Richard Fox, Marcia Joseph, Elizabeth Neff,
Monique & Bill Pritchard, David & Stuart King, Dennis & Anne Rooker, Jeff Werner, Al Schornberg, Barbara
Lundgren, Neil Williamson, Ann Mallek, Rick Randolph, Tim Keller
One of the fundamental purposes of the Rural Area outlined in the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan
is to support agriculture and agriculture based businesses like farm wineries, breweries & distilleries
(FWBD). However, one of the current challenges the County is facing relates to ABC licensing which
requires little to no on site agriculture in order to obtain a FWBD license. If Albemarle County were to
require a minimum amount of on-site agriculture in order for a FWBD to be eligible to host activities or
events, what criteria do you think should be considered?
Produce their own wine onsite with grapes they've grown (at least 51%)
Same idea but a higher percentage, like 60%
Income less than 50% from non -wine sales, such as events (at least 4 agreed)
Bad weather could take out the crop, making it impossible to meet those percentages
Could use a 5 year rolling average with the lowest year removed for income
Minimum # years growing grapes before establishing events
Should count only farm revenues from that property
One said you could have events elsewhere. It was answered that this will be contrary to the Rural Area
intent to have just event space
Later County Economic Development mentioned that it may not be legal and is problematic to obtain
income data
Not all FWBD need the money from events
For many agricultural based businesses, events serve as a means of generating supplemental income for the
farm, but it is important to ensure that impacts associated with these events are not negatively effecting
neighboring residents. Typical concerns associated with large events include traffic and noise. As a
residential neighbor to a FWBD that hosts events, what are your greatest concerns about the impacts
associated with these events?
Residents moved to a quiet controlled rural area. Concerned about what events will do to Ballards Mill
Road (type and amount of traffic), especially with alcohol involved. Some roads are really sub -standard.
VDOT is only about sight -lines. Cell phones don't work on this road
Noise completely changes the character, noise travels. County has the pre-test capability
Concern about loss of property values
Tasting and events are different and staff needs to clarify the difference. Example of buses of sororities
who come tasting versus a planned events. Enforcement of the noise ordinance is difficult — Zoning vs.
Police. The example of the special use permit for the cidery resulted in a situation in which they were
required to have digital noise metering that we can check.
John Kluge carriage house now cut down trees - visual impacts. Trump project not too impactful, even
though roads not good. What's the domino impact? Fireworks? What about impacts to horses?
The acreage and distance to adjacent property can directly relate to the impacts offsite. 21 acre parcel
might be too small depending on location
Can we consider the investment made in the various activities - growing, production, events
Wineries should begin by evaluating the property for suitability. Events should only be supplemental for
additional revenue.
NOVA study -cumulated property value loss was $30m
The County currently requires a zoning clearance for outdoor amplified music or FWBD events generating
more than 50 vehicle trips or located on parcels smaller than 21 acres and a special use permit for events
with more than 200 attendees. What else do you think the County should do to ensure that events and
activities at FWBD are not disruptive to neighbors or to public safety?
Responsible ones buy a sound meter and monitor their activities.
Consider the ambient sound in noise regulation. Take into account the impact on an existing quiet area
(like 45 dB avg) when even 55 dB is regularly introduced.
Different wineries are situated differently. Some may not have enough land. Many are on larger
properties. What about the allowance for the number of events based on the acreage of the farm?
Consider impacts to neighbors on the road. Caterers and others are not familiar with the road. Someone
(VDOT, ABC, County) needs to be responsible for the road.
Consider that cell phones don't work in certain areas - and that impact on public safety services.
Shouldn't adjoining conservation easements be considered? Consider what others have done to conserve
their property.
What about the scale of events versus other agricultural uses onsite?
Consider allowing Sundays to be free of events to provide some balance for neighborhood families.
Basic fairness. Knew certain noises and inconveniences would not be afforded in the country - but didn't
expect commercial activity.
What about limiting the hours and days of the week for events?
Pesticides can impact offsite properties.
Concerned about an abuse of the winery license to get to do events easily.
Is there anything else you think Albemarle County should consider in its regulation of events and activities
at FWBDs?
Cattle & dairy noise is expected in the Rural Area, noise associated with events is not
Free Enterprise Forum - Pesticides are not wasted due to their cost. There are often other issues, such as
the NAPA study, that lead to the high incidence of cancer.
Piedmont Environmental Council - Hearing the scale of events in Northern Virginia is causing so much
traffic, it's hard for neighbors to leave their driveway. Not peaceful if it's by -right. Need to look at both
ends.
% of income. Farming. Start-up winery loses all its fruit to frost. Can't stay alive. Crop not guaranteed.
Waterperry, not agriculture. Could financial statements consider a rolling average, to account for off -
weather years?
Per the comment about gathering financial information for regulating activity. Wine industry - financial
info for regulating. Unconstitutional. Small farm HB 268, passed to protect small farmers (Fauquier
County). Local Monticello Wine Trail, determined will only wineries that produce on their farm, tasting
room production room on their farm. Posted on the website. Breweries, distilleries are not required to
produce on their farm. Ag zoning, use some products (less prescriptive than farm winery)
If we consider a percentage of income, farmer would lose all of crop due to weather. How do they then
produce revenue? Farm wineries will fight providing their income data. It's probably unconstitutional to
require it to be provided. Monticello Wine Trail has determined that growing the product, producing and
having a tasting room are minimum standards. These should be considered before anything about income.
Even with an enclosed event space, there will be noise in the gardens. Still getting the traffic.
Need to find practical criteria to enforce: a) prohibit outdoor amplified music and b) require a commercial
entrance. We even had to do a traffic study. Personal opinion, I wouldn't put a winery on a dirt road. It's
incorrect to say subdividing the farm into a subdivision won't produce the traffic a winery does - it
depends on the size and development rights for that farm. The Farm Bureau will object to regulations
about parcel size and revenue.
Worried that the volume of production is not related to the scale of events.
Don't destroy rural character.
The State will not allow the County to regulate revenues. We are limited by our ability to enforce
regulations.
Farm Distilleries Roundtable
April 26, 2016
Distilleries Represented:
Monte Piccolo; located in subdivision with HOA; not in operation yet; expects to have ABC license in - 1
month. Farm -to -bottle operation; apricots and pears (unusual products for VA). Fruit brandy process that
doesn't require aging. Also gin operation from juniper. Can provide market for cosmetically -poor fruit. Hopes
to have tasting by appointment for industry and possibly industry/promotional events, but not planning to be
open to public for large events. May have small events like tailgate parties (guests vs. public coming to
business). Hopes to produce about 30,000 cases per year.
Ragged Mountain Distillery - on 92 -acre parcel at Ragged Mountain Farm; leasing 800 acres in County; can
grow all ingredients for bourbon; 2 years of production so far, but no sales yet. Not holding events yet.
Affected by industry -specific ABC regulations on on-site sales and tastings. Also running cattle operation;
distillery waste goes to cattle feed. Crops grown vary in area and acreage. Even if growing all crops,
dependent on outside processing of products. Plans to have tasting room. Hopes to produce 30 barrels/month.
Possible requirement for some amount of ag production, to have primary ag use and secondary events;
what should qualify?
If produce is from Virginia, why be concerned with source being on-site?
Contracting for off-site production can encourage agriculture elsewhere in the area
Easier to regulate by percentages of income (primary income to be from agriculture) - make ag primary
income source/activity and events secondary
o concern with this approach because, during years of production without sales, ag sales amount
will be zero/low
o Count inventory instead of/as well as sales
bad years can affect production numbers and make on-site production variable
Impacts of events - feedback from neighbors?
o No events yet, so only impacts are from farm & production
o Transportation of ingredients more on monthly time scale than daily
Other factors to consider when regulating events and activities?
Don't regulate anything; trip counts on public roads shouldn't be limited
importance of on-site marketing
how to track sales/value to ensure that the event use is not primary
requiring business to provide financial information is a mistake; events may keep business running in
bad years; requiring minimum production could push distilleries out of county
County needs to find opportunities to support local businesses to support producers (e.g., cleaning
corn)
upgrading to three-phase power would cut costs and wasted energy; tax breaks for extension?
concern with road safety after alcohol-related events; doesn't support government controls or limiting
tasting uses, but thinks industry should consider sobriety tests, etc. Also concerned with cumulative
impacts.
Farm Brewery Roundtable
April 25, 2016
Current/ Prospective Farm Breweries Represented:
Valley Road Vineyard -considering adding brewery for on-site sales
Montpelier - considering brewery; observing
Cave Hill Farm - Rockingham; planning/building brewery; concerned with event regulations
Pro Re Nata brewery in Crozet - expanding; planning distillery
Ag production (growing vs. import)
o Higher hops yields elsewhere - need to bring in hops; processing necessary; usually happens
off -farm
o Cave Hill - try to re -use old farm well; growing barley; considering hops; considering
producing yeast
o Montpelier - may work with partner; probably will produce small amounts of hops, barley for
educational purposes, but not full-scale production
Events (what kinds, what ties to agriculture)
o Pro Re Nata - 95% of business is tastings; people show interest in parties, etc., but limited by
capacity; also holds weddings, receptions, parties and wants to have more
o Cave Hill - wants to have events; concerned with on-farm safety; has 10,000 sq ft pavilion, plans
tasting room
Agricultural products and events- how should the County tie on-site production to events? If county req'd
minimum production for events? (to avoid creation of event centers without using local product)
■ Acreage cutoffs limiting for some sites that can't expand
■ Need large acreages for grain production (volumes, types) to supply beer production;
requiring high percentage of on-site or local production would discourage/prevent beer
production
■ Hard numbers difficult to set due to site/topographic factors
o Focus needs to be on ag production as primary goal; events should be supportive of that
o County does not intend to regulate legitimate producers; concern with loopholes for uses that
are primarily event centers; also concerned with cumulative impacts
Substantial impacts from events - input from neighbors; what have you done?
o Pro Re Nata - direct communication with neighbors; no complaints
o Cave Hill - neighbor concerns include noise, traffic, light - indoor amplified music only;
neighbor relationships important; road access important
Other concerns for events at farm breweries
o Production requirements may not be realistic for farm breweries
o Definition of "event" important - does it include training or educational events?
History of winery events led to state separation. Wine industry had 25-30 records of what's "usual &
customary"; breweries may not have that. Wine industry lobbied state to require agricultural
connection.
Need to examine purposes - focus on Rural Area economic viability rather than keeping commercial
uses out of Rural Area
What about water use and wastewater disposal; what are the impacts to viability of neighboring wells?
o Pro Re Nata — switched to ACSA water; using up to 1,000 gallons per day; beer production by-
products don't go into septic system
o Cave Hill — currently on public water; will use well for brewery;
o Septic fields limit scale of production
Farm Winery, Brewery & Distillery Events
Summary of Stakeholder Engagement Findings
Outreach methodology
4 stakeholder roundtables — Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, Rural Area Neighbors, Farm Wineries/
Cideries
Online survey
Emails from stakeholders
Issues related to establishing a primary ag use
Many farm wineries and cideries include fruit production on multiple properties
Breweries and distilleries require more ag product, therefore have less ability to produce
majority on site
FWBD rely on outside product when crop is compromised, etc.
FWBD wishing to expand their production may look to grow fruit on other properties if they
have outgrown the capacity of their own farm
Vineyards & orchards take 2-3 years to start producing fruit plus an additional year to produce
wine — initial investment is high, events help to provide supplemental income
Should other on site ag (livestock, other fruit & vegetable production, etc.) be counted if not
related to beverage production?
Farm income is variable from year to year, may include income generated from multiple
properties
FWBDs will be reluctant to share their income information
If events haven't commenced, hard to evaluate event income relative to farm income
Events are critical for generating on-site sales
Event impact concerns
Traffic - attendees, vendors
Substandard roads—gravel, narrow, no shoulder
Noise (from outdoor amplified music, crowd noise, fireworks)
Intoxicated drivers
Event frequency
Water use - farm breweries
Wastewater treatment
Trash
Sight distance/ entrance concerns
Impacts on surrounding agriculture/ conservation easements, etc.
Loss of property values
Sense of Rural Area being commercialized
Suggested regulatory approaches — Establishing a primary ag use
Establish minimum production requirement (% of own product used)
Establish minimum planted acreage requirement
Establish minimum producing acreage requirement
Require that event income be subordinate to ag income, consider multiple year averages with
lowest year removed
Set a minimum standard - on site ag related to beverage production + on-site beverage
production + tasting room
Suggested regulatory approaches — Mitigating event impacts
Eliminate outdoor amplified music
Increase setbacks for outdoor event areas
Tie event attendance/ frequency to acreage
Limit event frequency
Limit event hours of operation
Require a commercial entrance
Require a minimum road standard
Prohibit fireworks
Require an on-site police officer during events
Require installation of sound monitoring equipment on site
Active ABC Licenses as of January 18, 2017
License Trade Name
Company Name
Establishment Type
Privilege Description
Privilege Status
Effective Date
Expiration Date
Renewal Date
89727 Meriwether Springs Brewing Company
Meriwether Springs Brewing Company LLC
Brewery
Limited Brewery (500 barrels or less annually)
Active
11/9/2016
10/31/2017
10/15/2017
87784 Pro Re Nata Brewing Company LLC
Pro Re Nata Brewing Company LLC
Brewery
Limited Brewery (501-10,000 barrels annually; Active
9/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
84048 Ragged Mountain Farm
Ragged Mountain Farm LLC
Distillery
Distillery (more than 5000 but not over 36000 Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
79972 Vinum LLC Farm Distillery Division
Vinum LLC
Distillery
Distillery (5000 gallons or less annually)
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
68899 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
68900 Trump Winery
Eric Trump Wine Manufacturing LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
87816 Five Oaks Vineyard
Five Oaks Vineyard LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A
Active
10/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
67108 Knights Gambit
Knights Gambit LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
70584 White Hall Vineyards
Champ Cellars Inc
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
89366 Seven Oaks Farm
Seven Oaks Farm LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - ClassA
Active
4/1/2016
3/31/2017
3/15/2017
89595 The Lodge At Mount Ida Reserve
Murielago LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A
Active
7/8/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
42128 King Family Vineyards
King Family Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
44289 Pollak Vineyards
Pollak Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
59665 Jefferson Vineyards
Jefferson Vineyards Limited Ptsp
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
64747 Glass House Winery
Glass House Winery LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
65577 Stinson Vineyards
Stinson Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
78894 Grace Estate
Grace Estate LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
89638 Wisdom Oak Winery
Wisdom Oak Winery LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/14/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
13146 Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
54279 Well Hung Vineyard
T & A Products LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
83785 Adventure Farm of Albemarle County
Adventure Farm LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
54350 Mountfair Vineyards
Mountfair Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
54769 Albemarle CiderWorks
Vintage Virginia Apples LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery - Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
82436 Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery
Hambsch Family Vineyard LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
85232 Ramiiisol Winery and Ramiiisol Vineyards
Ramiiisol Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
14779 Keswick Vineyards
Keswick Winery LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
69786 Mount Ida Farm
Murcielago LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
38290 Burnley Vineyards
Burnley Vineyards Inc
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
48499 Virginia Wineworks LLC
Virginia Wineworks LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
53241 Turk Mountain Vineyards
Gilbert R Tallard
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
56128 Vinum LLC
Vinum LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
63875 Chestnut 0ak Vineyard LLC
Chestnut Oak Vineyard LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A/Delivery Permit
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
66532 Castle Hill Cider
Castle Hill Cider LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
82054 Meriwether Springs Vineyard
Meriwether Springs Vineyard LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
66010 Moss Vineyards
Moss Vineyards LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
77304 Gabriele Rausse Vineyards & Winery
Independence Inc
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class B
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
81994 First Colony Winery
Nplainvue LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
82571 Potters Craft
Potters Craft LLC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery-ClassA
Active
7/1/2016
6/30/2017
6/15/2017
89082 Valley Road Vineyards LC
Valley Road Vineyards LC
Farm Winery
Farm Winery -Class A
Active
5/20/2016
4/30/2017
4/15/2017
How Localities May Regulate Activities and Events at Farm Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
If yes, then subject to Virginia Code
§§ 15.2-2288.3, 15.2-2288.3:1,
or 15.2-2288.3:2
Does the activity or event
market or sell the product?
Are the regulations reasonable by considering:
If no, then may regulate under the
general zoning powers in Virginia Code
§ 15.2-2280, subject to certain
limitations on regulating agricultural
activities under the Right to Farm Act
-Their economic impact on the farm winery, brewery, or distillery;
-The agricultural nature of the activities and events; and
-Whether the activities and events are usual and customary at farm
wineries, breweries or distilleries
If the activity or event is usual
and customary, a locality may
regulate it only if it creates a
substantial impact on the
health, safety, or welfare of
the public
If the activity or event
would not create a
substantial impact on the
health, safety, or welfare of
the public, it may not
be regulated
If the activity or event is not
usual and customary, it may
be regulated by reasonable
regulations that consider the
economic impact on the farm
winery, brewery, or distillery,
and the agricultural nature of
the activity or event
If the activity or event would create a substantial impact
on the health, safety, or welfare of the public, it may be
regulated by reasonable regulations that consider the
economic impact on the farm winery, brewery, or
distillery, and the agricultural nature of the
activity or event