State and Local Orders Reinforce Prohibition on On-Site Consumption in Tasting Rooms to Ensure Public Safety

Wine Institute is pleased that California wineries are exercising the utmost precaution to ensure the health, safety and well-being of customers and employees by adhering to state and local prohibitions covering on-site consumption and activity in tasting rooms, except for purchase and pick-up.

Wineries may exercise the privilege of purchase and pick-up granted to on-premise licensees, and it is essential that the wine community respect state and local orders to preserve the privileges being afforded to our industry. We urge the wine industry to continue to do its part to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus by supporting the goals of the California Department of Public Health, which are: “(1) to protect people attending and working at the venue and the local community from COVID-19 infection; and (2) to reduce community transmission and introductions of COVID-19 into new communities.”

The statewide order and guidance specifically allow for wine “manufacturing, importing, storing, distributing,” and for sales for offsite consumption. This means purchase and pickup is allowed at wineries as long as proper social distancing is enforced and customers do not congregate on the premise.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Guidance to Prevent the Transmission of COVID-19 in Food and Beverage Venues

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – COVID-19 Updates

California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) – Guidance to Licensees on Limitations of On-Sale Privileges

State of California – FAQs on State “Stay at Home” Order

In a changing health and safety landscape, Wine Institute members are advised to keep current on local community orders to ensure compliance with both state and local law.

County Orders – Specific county information

City Orders – Visit your city’s public health website