San Diego County Type 02 Winery Or Winegrower License
San Diego County’s wine scene includes rural estates, urban wineries, and hybrid production spaces. For wine producers, the Type 02 winery or winegrower license is the central license that connects production, storage, and sales.
Liquor License Agents helps San Diego County winegrowers, brand owners, and investors coordinate Type 02 licensing with TTB permits and local land use approvals.
What The Type 02 Winegrower License Authorizes In San Diego County
A Type 02 license is the standard California license for wineries and winegrowers. In San Diego County, it generally allows you to:
- Produce, blend, and bottle wine at a bonded winery premises
- Store and age wine inventory under controlled conditions
- Sell wine to wholesalers, retailers, and often directly to consumers
- Conduct tastings and certain direct sales, subject to ABC and local rules
This license can support everything from estate wineries to urban producers, as long as the site and operations meet regulatory requirements.
When A Type 02 License Makes Sense For Urban Wineries And Wine Producers
A Type 02 license may be appropriate if:
- You intend to control your own wine production, not only retail others’ brands
- You plan a mix of distribution, club, and direct-to-consumer sales
- You are considering shared production, alternating proprietorship, or custom-crush models
- You want to integrate tastings, events, or education into your brand story
If you only need a wine bar or retail bottle shop, other license types may be simpler. We help you determine whether the added complexity of Type 02 licensing is justified by your production goals.
How Liquor License Agents Helps Type 02 Wineries And Winegrowers In San Diego
Winery projects require coordination between state, federal, and local regulators. Liquor License Agents helps you manage these pieces so your plans align.
We assist by:
- Reviewing your ownership structure, production targets, and facility design to confirm Type 02 suitability
- Coordinating ABC licensing strategy with your federal TTB permits and bond requirements
- Preparing ABC applications, premises diagrams, and disclosures tailored to winery operations
- Working with local planning and building departments on zoning, wastewater, parking, and event permissions
- Advising on tasting room and event operations within your license and CUP framework
- Supporting license transfers when you acquire an existing winery or reorganize ownership
Our focus is on creating a realistic regulatory roadmap so you can concentrate on winemaking and sales.
San Diego County Type 02 Winery License FAQs
1. Do I need to own vineyards in San Diego County to obtain a Type 02 winery license?
No. Many wineries source fruit from other regions or purchase bulk wine for blending. ABC and TTB care more about proper licensing, bonded premises, and recordkeeping than about whether you own the vineyard land.
2. What is an alternating proprietorship and how can it work for an urban winery?
An alternating proprietorship is a shared facility model where multiple winery businesses operate within the same production space, each with its own permits. It can reduce startup costs for urban wineries, as long as responsibilities for equipment, records, and compliance are clearly defined.
3. Can a Type 02 winery operate a tasting room or event space in San Diego?
Yes, many Type 02 wineries run tasting rooms and host events, subject to zoning, CUP, and ABC rules. Parking, occupancy, noise, and neighborhood compatibility are key considerations, especially in urban or mixed-use areas.
4. What federal TTB and state compliance requirements apply to Type 02 winegrowers?
Type 02 winegrowers must obtain a TTB basic permit, maintain detailed production and inventory records, and file regular reports. They must also comply with labeling, tax, and advertising rules. These obligations operate alongside California ABC regulations.
5. How long does the licensing process for a Type 02 winery usually take in San Diego County?
Expect a multi-month process that coordinates TTB approvals, ABC licensing, and local planning or building permits. Construction timelines, inspections, and any CUP hearings can all affect your schedule.
6. Can I pair my Type 02 winery with a restaurant, food program, or entertainment concept?
Yes. Many wineries integrate food, music, and events into their customer experience. Doing so may require additional approvals and, in some cases, additional license types. We help you design a structure that supports both production and hospitality without unnecessary complexity.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are planning a winery, urban production space, or wine-focused venue in San Diego County and considering a Type 02 license, you can call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review licensing, TTB coordination, and site planning with an experienced advisor.