Oregon Wine Country + Covid19
July 22, 2020About a month ago, when the state of Oregon slowly began to open back up amidst Covid19, I had a reader request wanting to know how safe it is to visit wine country. So, the past few weekends the hubs and I headed out to Oregon Wine Country to check it out and to help you understand the new “policies and procedures” when it comes to wine tasting and exploring Willamette Valley Wine Country!
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OREGON WINE COUNTRY + COVID19
– One of the first things I noticed when reaching out to wineries, was that every single winery has moved to reservations-only service. The reasoning behind this was simple! Wineries want to make sure they are able to host you in a safe and socially distanced manner. Your safety, and their employees safety is their number one priority! So make sure you call ahead and make your reservation.
– Next, make sure you bring your mask! Currently, Oregon is under strict order that everyone must wear a mask indoors in any business, and even outdoors when you cannot socially distance properly. Wineries ask that you wear a mask at all times, unless seated at your table, tasting or drinking wine.
– It’s also important to note that most wineries are limiting how many people can be in your group. I’ve seen everything from some requesting no more than 4 guests per party, to most wineries asking no more than 6 guests to a group.
– One positive change I’ve seen is that more and more wineries are now allowing you to bring your own picnic to enjoy during your visit with them. Personally, I love this and it encourages me to stay longer and purchase a few bottles to enjoy during my visit! Just make sure you call ahead to make sure the winery you’re visiting allows you to bring your own picnic.
– Let your pets stay at home! During these uncertain times, most all wineries are asking that you leave your furry friends at home as they do not exactly understand social distancing the same way us humans do!
– Some wineries are also asking that you leave your children at home. However, if the winery you’re visiting allows kids then they are asking that you just make sure they stick with you at your table at all times! Just make sure you call ahead to ask the winery you’re visiting what their new children policy is.
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OUR EXPERIENCE
At first I was a bit nervous to go wine tasting, my family is considered high risk and I was worried I would not feel safe. The hubs and I had an agreement that if at any time we felt uncomfortable we would just pack up and head home. To be honest, I was really surprised how safe I felt! The staff members at the wineries we visited went above and beyond to make sure all of the tables and chairs were sanitized between uses, adequate space was given between the employee hosting our tasting and our table, and that each table was easily more than eight feet distanced from other guests. Not once did we feel unsafe.
TAKEAWAY
Wine tasting during Covid19 can be safe and provide a nice little outing after being stuck at home for so long! Just make sure you follow all the safety precautions, be courteous to others, keep your space and wear your mask! Also, don’t forget to make your appointment ahead of time.
I hope you have fun exploring Oregon! And, if you’re interested in reading more about the surrounding Oregon Wine Country, consider checking out this blog post here!
For more up to the minute Covid19 coverage regarding the Willamette Valley, check out the Willamette Valley Wineries Association Resource page on Covid19!
If you’re looking for another experience in Oregon Wine Country, consider checking out Mountainside Lavender Farm!
XO,
M
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