Commission approves off-site wine tasting room and limited distribution for vineyard southeast of Willcox

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Docket SU25-11 on Wednesday, authorizing an on-site tasting room, retail sales and limited distribution for a vineyard located at 5405 East Patriot Trail southeast of Willcox.

Staff told the commission the applicant had obtained an agricultural exemption in 2024 and that the property, in an RU10 zone and largely agricultural, abuts state land. Matthew Taylor, planning staff, said staff found the request met applicable special-use factors and had received one written response in favor.

Applicant Chris Brinkmeyer said the project started in 2016 and that the site includes a secured 30-by-40 building proposed to house the tasting room and storage. He said vines have been planted and that he is working on state and federal permitting and a Series 13 license to self-distribute. "We are in the process of working to get our series 13 liquor license," Brinkmeyer said.

The commission approved the project with three conditions: the tasting room, sales and distribution storage areas must be housed in the existing building; total production and distribution of wines produced on- and off-site is limited to 40,000 gallons per year; and expansion of the operation would require further review. Commissioners noted the 40,000-gallon cap aligns with state thresholds that distinguish farm wineries from larger production facilities.

Commissioners voted in favor without discussion; the chair announced the action passed unanimously and reminded the public of appeal rights to the Board of Supervisors within 15 days.