Wine festivals and some wine release weekends are canceled. Numerous wineries are shutting down tasting rooms or taking special measures to deal with COVID-19 Coronavirus. Below are some event and winery updates as of today (March 14). However, this list does not cover all local wineries. Overall, the situation is changing daily. Therefore, check directly with your favorite wineries to find out their status. And please support the industry by stocking up on wine during this difficult time.

Wine Events Cancelled

Two prominent Walla Walla wineries, Cayuse and Reynvaan, canceled their spring release weekend April 4-5 in response to COVID-19.

Likewise, Taste Washington, March 19-22 in Seattle, also shut down.

Similarly, this weekend’s McMinnville Wine & Food Classic – Sip closed due to an Oregon state mandate against large gatherings. The event is the main source of funding for St. James School. If you want to donate your ticket refund to this worthy cause, please see the festival’s website.

Winery Measures

Here is the list of winery actions as of today. Note, this list contains information sent to us by wineries and is by no means all-inclusive. As mentioned, contact your favorite wineries to find out their status.

Tasting Rooms Closed

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is closing its wineries and tasting rooms because of COVID-19. This includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Col Solare, Columbia Crest, Conn Creek, Erath, Northstar, Patz & Hall, Spring Valley Vineyard, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and 14 Hands Winery. In addition, L’Ecole 41 shut down its Schoolhouse Tasting Room, but offers pick-up service for orders placed online or by phone.

Curbside Service

The wineries with curb-side or drive-through pickup of wine orders include Saviah Cellars, DeLille Cellars, Guardian Cellars, Obelisco, Gard Vintners and Matthews Winery.

Online Purchases

Most wineries offer online purchases through their websites. Many of them now provide discounted or free shipping, as well. So please check them out, and help support our wine industry during these tough times.

Tasting Rooms Open

Wineries that remain open sent emails to their customers assuring them of diligent and vigorous cleaning procedures, such as additional wipe-downs of tables, bars, door knobs, faucet handles and other common “touch” areas. Some are limiting attendance to 20 people at a time. Consequently, they also offer assurances that they are actively monitoring and following guidance from the CDC and state regulators.

Most importantly, all wineries we’ve heard from request that customers who are high risk or not feeling well stay home and stay safe.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave