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Commission approves off-site wine tasting room and distribution with production cap
Summary
The commission unanimously approved Docket SU25-11 to allow an on-site wine tasting room with retail and distribution subject to conditions including a production/distribution cap of 40,000 gallons per year and use of the existing building for tasting and storage.
The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Docket SU25-11 to allow an on-site wine tasting room, retail sales and limited distribution at a vineyard property southeast of Wilcox.
Staff described the 40-acre parcel, currently used as a vineyard, and said the applicant received an agricultural zoning exemption in 2024. Staff noted the tasting-room and retail uses are customary accessory activities for farm wineries and that the proposal complies with seven of seven applicable special-use factors with conditions.
Applicant Chris Brinkmeyer said he purchased the land in 2016, has established vineyards and a secure building on-site for wine storage, and is pursuing the necessary state and federal permits and licensing (federal winery permit and a state series 13). Brinkmeyer said current production is low but that he intends to buy nearby fruit while on-site vines mature.
Staff recommended three conditions: use of the existing building for tasting, sales and storage; a cap on combined on-site and off-site production/distribution at 40,000 gallons per year; and limits on expansion beyond the approved building without further review. Commissioners asked about the AMAs and planting restrictions; the applicant said planting is halted under AMA rules and he is seeking relief where appropriate.
Commissioners voted to approve the staff recommendation. The motion carried with recorded ayes from Commissioners Lindbach, Montgomery, Watkins, Gonzales, Fickett, Martzke and Chair DePew. The approval permits tasting-room operations and self-distribution consistent with the zoning conditions and state licensing requirements.
