Wine Tasting Room Exemption

• Catering in Sonoma County
• Food Facility Construction
• Food Handler Safety Certification Classes
• Mobile Food Facilities
• Reduced Fee Incentive Program
• Temporary Food Facilities (Food Booths)
• Wine Tasting Room Exemption

Per Senate Bill 241, the requirements for obtaining an exemption for premises set aside for wine tasting has changed as of October 11, 2009. As of this date, charging a fee for wine tasting is no longer a factor in the wine tasting exemption process.

Please submit the following information to obtain a Wine Tasting Room Exemption letter from the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services, Environmental Health and Safety:

1. Name, address and assessor's parcel number of the location of the winery tasting room.
2. Owner name and mailing address.
3. Proof of a State Wine Growers License (Alcoholic Beverage Control license) for this location. Submit a photocopy of this license. Only the wines produced under this license may be sold with a winery tasting room exemption.
4. A statement that the wine tasting facility will not offer for sale, food or unapproved beverages for onsite or offsite consumption (with the exception of the actual wine tasting, approved beverages and crackers for clearing the palette between tasting different wines). Some examples of approved beverages include bottled/canned soda, ice tea and water that are considered prepackaged nonpotentially hazardous beverages as they do not require refrigeration.
5. Submit a completed Plan Review Application (pdf) and 1-hour review fee of $139.

These wine tasting room exemptions will be reviewed within a maximum of 20 working days of receipt. Wine tasting room exemptions are reviewed in the order of the date received. If the exemption is not approved, a correction notice will be sent to the applicant detailing additional information needed. Resubmitted wine tasting exemptions will usually be reviewed within one week. Wine tasting exemptions may be submitted via mail and must be accompanied with a completed plan review application and required fees. The review process will not begin until all plan review fees and application are submitted. Once the wine tasting room exemption proposal is reviewed and approved, a letter of Wine Tasting Exemption will be sent by mail. The original approved Wine Tasting Exemption letter or a copy must remain at the wine tasting facility and be available for review upon request.

NOTE: The wine tasting exemption shall be void should sales of foods and/or beverages that are not prepackaged nonpotentially hazardous take place for onsite or offsite consumption. At that time this Department will require a permit for a retail food facility. A review of building plans and construction final approval would be required prior to issuance of the retail food facility permit.

Plan Review and Approval may be required by the building jurisdiction for construction or remodel of the facility. Please check with your building department for requirements. Standard plan review fees apply for this separate submittal. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Sylvester, Environmental Health Specialist III at (707) 565-6547 or Jennifer.sylvester@sonoma-county.org.

ALSO NOTE: If the winery exemption is granted it will not apply if you participate in a community event with additional food. Additional Environmental Health permits are required for participation in Community Events where the public is invited, that are two or more days in length and additional foods are offered. Contact Christine Baranov, Environmental Health Specialist III at (707) 565-6548 for more information regarding community events.