Guidance to Community Events for Wineries and Breweries
If your tasting room is open to the public, a permit or permit exemption is required to serve beer or wine.
Print version (PDF: 122 Kb)
Do I need a Temporary Food Facility permit?
Please answer the questions below to determine whether your tasting room requires a Temporary Food Facility (TFF) permit to participate in a community event.
Question 1
Will any food* (except wine/beer) be sold, served, sampled, given away or otherwise provided at the event?
* Food is defined as any item including beverages (excepting wine/beer) that can be ingested, whether prepared on-site, prepackaged, bottled or canned.
Yes - Go on to Question 2
Question 2
Will the food be served off the premises, for example, on a public sidewalk/street in front of the tasting room?
Yes - TFF permit required
No - Go on to Question 3
Question 3
Does your winery have a current extensive or moderate preparation level food facility permit?
Yes - TFF permit NOT required
No - Go on to Question 4
Question 4
Does your winery have a current minimal preparation level food facility permit?
Yes - TFF permit may be required*
No - TFF permit required
*A TFF permit is required if the food provided at the event is at a preparation level higher than the current food facility permit. Please review the description of preparation levels:
Temporary Food Facility Definitions and Operating Requirements
Event Requirements
If food will be served outdoors, a tent or booth to provide overhead protection is required. Sides are required when active food preparation is conducted within.
If hiring a caterer, you must still abide by the permit requirements. The caterer must have a valid permit, verified by Sonoma County Environmental Health.