Moratorium remains for wine-tasting rooms in rural King County. Could it be the final pour?

The King County Council is considering changes to its Adult Beverage Ordinance. The proposal comes after the state Supreme Court found the 2019 ordinance, which allows wine tasting rooms on farmlands, violates state law.

For years, farmers and residents have complained, saying tasting rooms and events venues don’t belong in rural areas because they create harmful impacts to the farm and salmon habitat.

“There’s traffic, parking, and sewage,” said Serena Glover, executive director of Friends of Sammamish Valley, a nonprofit group that challenged the county’s ordinance.

“This is not an either-or. This is a we-can-do-both," Glover said. "We just have to be smart about growth.”

The county estimates there are 47 state licensed wineries, breweries, and distilleries operating in rural or agricultural zones.

A moratorium is in place while the county considers amending current regulations. This includes prohibiting wineries, breweries, and distilleries in areas zoned for agriculture, unless the wine, beer, or liquor is being made on the premises.

Councilmember Sarah Perry said she looks forward to resolving the issue.

“I view today’s discussion as the first of many conversations we’ll be having in the coming months on this topic,” Perry said.

The council committee will take up the matter again in January.