Lyme — A meeting Monday on a local vineyard's proposal to hold weekend wine tastings drew so much public interest that the hearing had to be rescheduled after more people than the number allowable under fire code showed up.

About 120 people filled the Town Hall meeting room and hallway for the Planning and Zoning hearing, while an estimated 30 to 40 more stood outside the building, according to the fire marshal's count.

The hearing, which will be scheduled for a larger venue at later date, pertains to Sunset Hill Vineyard on Elys Ferry Road. The owners are seeking a special permit to hold "appointment-only" tastings at their vineyard on the weekends from May to October and some holidays.

Matt Caruso, who is a partner in the family-run business with his father, said in a phone interview that the plan is to hold tastings by appointment from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, as well as on some Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Chairman David Tiffany said he would reschedule the hearing to a date and venue to be determined, after consulting with the fire marshal and explaining the code regulations to attendees on Monday. The regular meeting on other topics was still held.

The room holds 87 people if seated, or 123 if all are standing, said Fire Marshal David Roberge.

Tiffany said this was the largest meeting he has seen. He told attendees he was sorry the hearing had to be rescheduled, but said it was great to see everyone show up.

Residents discussed their opinions, both for and against the proposal, on social media prior to the meeting.