Deschutes County's proposed first winery gains liquor license

             Faith Hope & Charity vineyard in Terrebonne has come a step closer to establishing an onsite winery with approval of its liquor license application by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

            The OLCC approved the license at its April 21 meeting for what would be Deschutes County’s first winery associated with a producing vineyard.

            Cindy and Roger Grossmann,  principals in Faith Hope & Charity, have planted 15 acres of grapes on a 164 acre parcel of their agricultural land on Lower Bridge Way. The parcel is part of 315 acres owned by the Grossmanns, including some in hay production.

            Faith Hope & Charity is awaiting a decision by Deschutes County hearing officer Karen Green on their application for a county permit to build the winery.

            State law, ORS 215.452 appears to clearly state the property would qualify for a winery under a provision that 15 acres of grapes be planted.  But the county planning staff have interpreted the law to require that grapes already have been harvested.

            Maragas Winery, in Jefferson County on Highway 97 near Smith Rock State Park, is the only other commercial onsite winery and vineyard in Central Oregon.

Is that bouquet from the glass or cow pasture?
 (a report on the county hearing for FHC winery application)