California’s Type 93 Estate Tasting Event Permit: Unlocking New Opportunities for Winegrowers in 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, licensed winegrowers in California can take direct-to-consumer experiences to the next level with the Type 93 Estate Tasting Event Permit. This new permit allows wineries to host curated tastings on vineyard properties they own or control—even if those sites don’t have a traditional tasting room. For wineries that previously couldn’t host events, this is an exciting opportunity to open their vineyard doors and connect directly with consumers.

Why the Type 93 Permit Is a Game-Changer

For many small or estate-focused wineries, the lack of a physical tasting room limited their ability to engage wine enthusiasts and sell directly to consumers. The Type 93 permit removes that barrier, allowing these wineries to:

• Host up to 36 estate tasting events per year.
• Use adjacent or non-adjacent vineyard property they own or control for tastings.
• Exercise the same tasting and sales privileges typically available in a tasting room.

This opens the door for intimate vineyard walks, harvest celebrations, limited-release wine tastings, and other experiences that showcase the story of the land and the winemaking process.

How CellarPass Can Help Wineries Launch Estate Tasting Events

For wineries new to hosting events, managing reservations, marketing, and ticketing can be a challenge. That’s where CellarPass comes in. By signing up, wineries can:

• Market their estate events to a broad audience of wine enthusiasts already using CellarPass to discover experiences.
• Sell tickets and manage reservations online with a seamless, easy-to-use platform.
• Track attendance and guest information to grow wine club memberships and repeat visits.
• Streamline event management, reducing administrative work so wineries can focus on crafting memorable experiences.

Whether it’s a first-ever vineyard tasting or a seasonal harvest event, CellarPass allows wineries to reach new guests and manage sales professionally, even without a traditional tasting room.

Event Ideas to Take Advantage of the Type 93 Permit

• Seasonal vineyard experiences: Budbreak tours, harvest crush events, or fall vineyard receptions.
• Small-group and member-exclusive tastings: Personalized events for VIPs or wine club members.
• Vineyard dinners and collaborations: Partner with chefs, artisans, or local musicians to create unforgettable experiences.
• Limited-release wine events: Create excitement and urgency for vineyard-only releases.

Getting Started

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your winegrower license qualifies for a Type 93 permit.
2. Plan your event calendar: Make the most of the 36 annual event authorizations.
3. Secure local approvals: Coordinate with fire, zoning, and land-use authorities for compliance.
4. Sign up for CellarPass: List your estate events to manage reservations, ticketing, and marketing efficiently. [[Sign Up]]

The Type 93 Estate Tasting Event Permit isn’t just a regulatory update—it’s a new way for wineries to open their vineyards to events, engage directly with consumers, and grow revenue. With CellarPass, wineries that couldn’t host events before can now market, sell, and manage tastings professionally, creating meaningful experiences that highlight the story of their vineyard and wines.

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