Wineries Could Come to Charlotte Under Possible Rezoning Change

CHARLOTTE, NC – If you enjoy drinking wine or hard cider, you could soon have more options in Charlotte.

Monday night, City Council will consider allowing wineries to operate in the same areas where you find breweries.

Some city leaders think it could spur economic growth, especially along the light rail line.

At Good Road Ciderworks in South Charlotte, it’s hard cider on tap.. not beer.

“People should have their choice on what they want to drink and what they want to enjoy,” says South Charlotte resident Jon Nardone.

Right now, businesses like this can only operate at industrial properties, and are not able to compete with breweries in NoDa or South End.

“What I don’t understand is why is there even have to be a separate policy in between the two?” Nardone asks.

City Council member Larken Egleston says changes are only fair.

“They operate as very similar business models. They serve a product that’s similar in alcohol content, attract the same kind of patrons. So for there to be different rules for those two types of businesses is really just an oversight and something we want to come back and correct now,” Egleston says.

City staff has already recommended council pass the changes.

They say wineries are an emerging industry that would add vibrancy to the city and encourage use of public transit.