Sonoma County Tasting Rooms Provide Safe & Exciting Experiences for Visitors
SANTA ROSA, California – June 25, 2020 – After nearly three months of being closed to the public due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Sonoma County’s more than 425 wineries once again open their doors and welcome out of town guests to their tasting rooms.
Leisure travel is now permitted into Sonoma County where guests can taste world-class wines, experience 18 American Viticultural Areas and have a variety of options with more than 60 wine varietals produced in Sonoma County. Reservations are encouraged and guests should review all safety recommendations before their visit. Visa Signature® and Visa Infinite® cardholders are eligible for special promotions as well.
“We celebrate the ability to invite guests to enjoy the Sonoma County winery experience, an experience so many people know and love,” said Michael Haney, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners. “We are excited about our wineries being able to share their passion with guests and letting visitors once again enjoy the beauty of the vineyards and wine offerings and support wineries of all sizes. Our wineries have been preparing for months and have put much thought into their reopening plans to ensure a safe experience. We’re very excited about this next step.”
Wineries are continuing to activate all COVID-19 mitigation practices including “Social Distancing Protocol” for their facilities frequented by the public or employees as outlined below.
The Social Distancing Protocol spans several categories to ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable experience, including:
- Limiting the number of people who can enter the facility at any one time to ensure social distancing
- The addition of markers identifying six-foot increments to guide visitors on where to stand while waiting
- Complimentary hand sanitizer, soap and water, or effective disinfectant at or near the entrance of the facility, and in locations where there is high-frequency employee interaction with members of the public (e.g. cashiers)
- Contactless payment systems, when possible
- Wineries will continue to regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces
In addition, it is required that guests wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before entering any indoor business or indoor public common areas, with the exception of while the person is eating or drinking.
Those who are traveling to Sonoma County wineries that are Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can enjoy year-round benefits at more than 50 premier Visa Signature wineries across Sonoma County. Offers may vary by winery, however, many of the benefits include:
- Purchase 1 standard tasting using a Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card and receive 1 complimentary tasting of equal or lesser value
- Preferred pricing on non-wine purchases over $50, where applicable
- Savings on wine purchased same day in the Tasting Room
- Savings on Reserve tasting or special wine and food pairings
Cardholders can simply look in their wallets; if their card says Visa Signature or Visa Infinite, they have instant access to dozens of perks like this. For more details about Visa Signature participating wineries, visit www.sonomawine.com/Visa.
Those who aren’t able to travel to Sonoma County soon can take a virtual trip with a variety of programs on SonomaWine.com/Sip-From-Home.
About Sonoma County Vintners
Sonoma County Vintners is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions which was named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2019. Sonoma County Vintners represents over 260 wineries throughout the county. The organization actively promotes Sonoma County through educational programming; advocates for its members at local, state and federal levels; and contributes to the local communities through our Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. Sonoma County Wine Auction, its annual fundraiser, has raised over $36 million benefitting non-profit organizations throughout the region. To learn more about Sonoma County Vintners, visit sonomawine.com.
About Visa Signature
Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders enjoy a range of benefits that provide special access including select wineries in Sonoma County. In addition to points, miles, cash back and other premium rewards offered by issuers, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders also enjoy special benefits. For more information on Visa Signature, Visa Infinite and other Visa offerings, please visit Visa.com.
