Could Sacramento County become the new home of "Two Buck Chuck"?
That could be the impact of a new winery ordinance drafted by Sacramento County to promote agricultural development and tourism.
Along with setting zoning requirements for wineries and other provisions, the ordinance would regulate the number of events a winery could hold, whether food could be served, the parking requirements and signage.
"I think it's a smart move for the county," said Mark Chandler, executive director of the Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission. "It lays the path for further agricultural development that respects a farmer's right to sell product, as well as neighbors' rights to coexist in a rural atmosphere."
Consultants representing J.F.J. Bronco, the country's fourth largest winery and parent company of Charles Shaw, a.k.a. "Two Buck Chuck," said at an August public hearing that Bronco is considering a full production facility in Sacramento County. Bronco is headquartered in Ceres.
"This would create a lot of employment," said Chandler. "From an economic development standpoint, this is a good thing."
Tricia Stevens, a Sacramento County planner, recently told the trade publication Wines & Vines that a formal proposal is expected to come before the County Planning Commission on Monday. Final approval could come by October.
Stay tuned for further developments.
Refine your taste: If you've ever wanted to increase your wine education, Donal Smith is one of Sacramento's go-to guys. The former Corti Brothers wine merchant, who teaches now at California State University, Chico, is offering a new series of wine-tasting classes. They'll be held on Wednesday evenings from Sept. 14-28 at Lake Forest Cafe (13409 Folsom Blvd., Folsom).
Plan on an informative and tasty seminar that includes tips on wine and food pairings, guest speakers and more. $89 for the three-class series. Information: (916) 203-4641 or donalswines@yahoo.com.
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