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Solvang council votes to join Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District
Summary
The Solvang City Council on Jan. 27 voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution consenting to the inclusion of the city in the new Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District, a county-led 1% assessment on direct-to-consumer retail wine sales to fund regional wine marketing and visitor promotion.
The Solvang City Council voted Jan. 27 to adopt Resolution No. 251278, granting the County of Santa Barbara consent to include the city in the proposed Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District (SBCWID).
The district would levy a 1% assessment on wineries' direct-to-consumer retail sales — including tasting-room sales, wine-club charges, event sales, food and merchandise — and use the revenue for marketing, public relations, events and industry and government education, proponents said. The county is the lead jurisdiction for formation; organizers told the council the district would begin collections April 1 if the county finalizes formation at a Feb. 11 meeting.
Why it matters: Supporters said a dedicated, regionwide marketing fund will attract more visitors to wineries and area businesses and amplify Solvang’s role in the Santa Ynez Valley tourism economy. Opponents or hesitant speakers at other jurisdictions have carved out their cities; Lompoc recently voted not to participate, a development…
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