What to expect when visiting a winery during Covid-19

Paso Robles Wine Country is back open for business and we want you to know what to expect when visiting a winery during Covid-19 era. If you’re like us, you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out of the house and return to your favorite Paso Robles wineries.  To help insure everyones safety, Paso Robles wineries are adhering to the most current health and safety protocols which have been provided by the CDC.  While the wines are beautiful views are the same, some things have changed. We’ve come up with our top 10 tips for visiting a winery in the Covid-19 era. Follow these top 10 tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Paso Wine Country!

What to expect when visiting a winery during Covid-19

1. Reserve online or by phone in advance

Now that all wine tasting is taking place outdoors, accommodations vary winery by winery. Your favorite winery may have limited outdoor seatings, so check for availability ahead of time. This is especially true for groups, which are limited to 4.  To ensure you adventure goes as planned, simply call or visit the wineries website for details. 

2. Wear your face mask and have a personal supply of wipes/hand sanitizer.

Upon entering the property, be sure to be wearing your face mask.  CDC mandates that visitors be masked while moving around the facilities, including going to the bathroom. Once you are seated and enjoying your wines, you may remove your mask.  For your safety, tasting room staff will be required to wear masks at all times. 

3. Bring a jacket, and your favorite hat to keep warm

Chilled Chardonnay is a good thing, chilled bones aren’t. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and dress accordingly. There is nothing worse than being too hot or cold, especially while outside. Plan ahead and check the weather report for the day you plan to visit. 

4. Consider your food options: Pick-up snacks, pack a picnic, or pre-order lunch from a winery

Two or three glasses of wine can catch up fast. Be sure you have lunch or snacks in between sips accounted for.  Each winery has their own food policy so be sure to check ahead of time. Keep in mind that many wineries in Paso Robles are remote with little food options around. Additionally, with restaurants also under CDC guidelines, options may be limited.  Be prepared by packing your own snacks, a picnic, or plan to dine at a winery that has a restaurant or food options.

5. Don’t be late

Time lines are tighter these days, as wineries can only offer up so many seatings in a day.  Prepare to arrive at least 5-10 min before your reservation. It will make the experience go smoother and staff will also appreciate the gesture. 90-minute time block tastings are most traditional. 

6. Only plan to visit 3-4 wineries in a day

To not feel rushed and enjoy each winery properly, we encourage wine goer’s to visit no more than 3-4 wineries in a day. When you account for driving and navigating times between locations it’s best to not pack your schedule too tight. Relax, sip in the views and keep things simple.

*Wine Routes Itinerary builder factors in travel time and accounts for 90 min tasting at each location. Add the wineries you’d like to visit and the system will automatically calculate the shortest route. 

7. Keep your group small

Keep your group size small! It’s best to visit with other members of your household or members which you’ve been exposed to. No matter what, always comply with social distancing measures. 

8. Pack your patience and understand staff is getting back into the flow. 

Covid-19 has affected everyone and every part of life as we know it. We need to all work together to stay safe and have patience with one another. Covid has brought on extra stress and annoyances that we all wish we didn’t have to deal with, however: please be considerate and follow the set guidelines. 

9. Consider booking transportation

Stay safe and eliminate the stress of having to navigate. Get local knowledge that comes with booking a wine transportation outfit.  Local guides can entertain, educate and get you to your destination in style. 

10. Get the place to yourself by booking Mid-week

When booking your stay, try and plan your adventure Monday-Thursday.  Reservations will be more readily available and you won’t have to fight any crowds. It’s also safer and provides more one on one time with knowledgeable staff. 

Paso Robles wineries and tasting rooms are excited to welcome you back and doing everything they possible to ensure the safety of their staff and guests. 

By following the guidelines put in place by the CDC and state of California we are confident that you will feel safe and comfortable visiting the many world class wineries and vineyards in the region. 

By following these top 10 tips for what to expect when visiting a winery during Covid-19, you should have an enjoyable experience. If you have any concerns or special requests regarding the safety procedures put in place by the wineries in Paso Robles, please be sure to reach out to the individual property to discuss exactly what they are doing to help ensure everyone’s safety during these unprecedented times.