Wine country zoning changes sought

In an effort to emphasize winemaking in Temecula Valley Wine Country, Riverside County planners want to change the region's zoning for businesses that host weddings, parties and other special events.

But critics say the change will force out small business and make it impossible for anyone without deep pockets to earn a living in the fast-growing region.

"It's ridiculous to make it simply corporate companies that can invest here," said Eileen Rivard, owner of Villa de Amore, a wedding venue. "They're shutting down the little guy."

The change will be the subject of a public hearing at Wednesday's Riverside County Planning Commission meeting.

It would require special-events venues to be located on at least 10 acres. Currently such venues need only 5 acres.

Derek Hull, a county planner who works on wine country projects, said many special events lead to traffic, noise and other nuisances for residents and wineries.

The intent behind wine country policies is to promote winemaking. "Anything else is incidental to that," Hull said.

"We have to make sure individually operating special-occasion facilities are not in conflict with the vision of wine country."

Located to the east of Temecula, wine country already has more than 20 wineries, and more are planned. Also in the works are several large resorts with wineries, hotel rooms, spas and shops.

By requiring venues to have more land, the county hopes to create a larger buffer that will lessen problems for neighbors.

Rivard is in ongoing litigation with the county over her business, which includes a catering facility, banquet rooms, a bridal suite and rose gardens.

The county sued Rivard in May, claiming her Villa de Amore's operations violate zoning rules. Earlier this month, a Superior Court judge denied the county's request for a preliminary injunction to prevent Rivard from hosting weddings.

Rivard said instead of promoting small business, the county is pushing it out in favor of large wineries with events venues.

"If (the wineries) choose to make these Taj Mahals and their rent (for using their facilities) is bigger, that's not my problem," she said.

Leah Di Bernardino, part owner of The Castle Bed and Breakfast on Rancho California Road, fears the change will make it impossible for small businesses to get started in wine country.

"Not everyone has $20 million to start an operation in wine country," she said.

While she understands the need to keep things quiet in residential parts of wine country, Di Bernardo said the change should not apply to businesses along the region's more commercial and frequently traveled roads.

Ray Falkner, president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, said the association has not taken a formal position on the proposal.

But he disagrees with the idea the change would benefit large wineries. "We had nothing to do with this proposition," Falkner said.

Assuming it does not continue the matter, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation on the change and forward it to the county Board of Supervisors, which has the final say on the proposal.