Riverside Supes Approve Temecula Vintner's Makeover

A Temecula Valley winery will be able to complete a series of renovations expected to boost the area’s “economic base” by drawing people for outdoor events that officials acknowledged may create noise pollution, which Riverside County supervisors determined Wednesday would not pose a significant problem.

“I think they’ve more than adequately addressed concerns about noise,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Marion Ashley with regard to the Avensole Winery, previously known as the Lytton Vineyard and Winery.

The project entails converting a 5-acre portion of the 22-acre vineyard into a tourist attraction at Rancho California Road and Newton Avenue.

“It’s going to be a beautiful place. We’re delighted to be part of Wine Country,” property owner Sheldon Lytton told the board.

The project required approval of a conditional use permit and a zoning re-designation, from citrus vineyard to “wine country winery,” all of which the board approved.

According to the project plans, the upgraded site will include a special events platform, accommodating up to 350 guests for concerts. Lytton said a dozen outdoor events are planned annually. The county Department of Planning said the winery is in the vicinity of a residential area, with the nearest home less than 700 feet away.

One concerned resident wrote in opposition to the proposed outdoor activity, saying their quality of life would be negatively impacted. However, according to county officials, mitigation measures would be established to prevent disturbances, mainly by arranging speakers in a manner that causes the least acoustic bounce.

The county’s conditional use permit provided a specific noise exemption that Supervisor John Benoit noted was the first of its kind granted under the Temecula Valley Wine Country Plan implemented in March 2014.

The plan involved reclassifying a large swath of southwest Riverside County for commercial uses in what supporters hope will promote growth of viticultural operations.

“It’s a step in a direction from which we may have to retreat if we start getting a lot of complaints,” Benoit said.

Ashley said he felt confident the noise factor would not be a spoiler.

“The Wine Country is going to help our economic base by bringing in more tourism and recreation,” Ashley said. “It’s a great addition to the county.”

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock