Though lockdowns have long since lifted in most parts of the world, many people have fallen into the habit of staying home. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it is important to start socializing and returning to some sense of normalcy. Of course, it may not be quite the same as it was pre-pandemic. However, bars, restaurants, resorts, and wineries are all taking precautions to ensure guests are safe and happy. 

Along with the fine glassware, serviettes, and grape harvester parts, wineries now keep a good stock of masks, hand sanitizer, and specialized cleaning products to ensure they’re able to provide a hygienic environment for visitors. If you have any concerns before heading out for a wine tasting, the following tips should put your mind at ease.

1. Reserve your spot early

Many wineries are operating at limited capacity to ensure all guests have space for social distancing. This means it’s often essential to book well in advance to ensure you get a place. 

2. Stick to the rules and the schedule

Venues like wineries are going above and beyond to deliver the best possible experience for guests while also adhering to all the new rules and restrictions. Do the right thing and help them out by arriving and departing on schedule and following all the guidelines they put in place. 

It might be a little annoying to have to put your mask on every time you go to the bathroom. You may wish you could stay for one more glass of wine at the end of the tasting. However, you don’t want to be that guest who ruins the experience for everyone else.  

3. Bring your own mask and hand sanitizer

While the winery will likely have spare masks available, it’s not a good idea to rely on this. You don’t want to spend hours driving out into the countryside only to have to turn around and go hunting for masks in the nearest town. 

As for hand sanitizer, you’ll likely find plenty of pump bottles available at the wine tasting. However, it’s always handy to have your own pocket pack that you can use whenever the need arises. 

4. Consider a mid-week winery tour

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds and you have the capacity to take some time off during the week, this is a great way to secure a peaceful and relaxing little getaway for yourself and your friends. Whether you head out to wine country for a day trip or stay for a night or two, you’ll likely have a quieter and more relaxing time if you steer clear of the weekend rush. 

5. Enjoy the region

Though it may be called “wine country,” that doesn’t mean your trip has to be all about wine. Take some time to research the area before you head out and find some other places to visit and activities to try. Wineries tend to flourish in “the Goldilocks zone” that’s not too dry but not too wet, not too cold but not too tropical – it truly is just right. So, set aside some time to get out in nature and soak in all the beauty. 

Depending on where you are in the world, you may find national parks, waterfalls, creeks, and rivers to explore. In terms of activities, you’ll often find hiking, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, and so much more.  

Follow these tips, and you should be able to enjoy a wine-tasting adventure that’s as fun as it is hygienic.