VIDEO: Indigenous leads the way as wineries begin to reopen tasting rooms

| May 21, 2020 in Video

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Quietly, and without a lot of fanfare, Indigenous World Winery in West Kelowna reopened it's tasting room today. Indigenous is among the first to open, but many more are expected to follow.

"I think everybody's really anxious to get people back in their tasting rooms and get up and going, said Indigenous World Winery spokesperson, Ryan Widdup.

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Widdup admits they may have to do some fine-tuning over time. "Obviously there's going to be some things we're going to learn along the way," he said, "so we're trying to be fluid with our plans." 

Grizzli Winery plans to open tomorrow. With one of the largest tasting rooms in Canada, Grizzli will have little trouble finding space for physical distancing.

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"Grizzli Winery was incorporated to have big tour busses," said Matt Lazuk, "to make sure that we have enough space for people to really spread out and for people to feel safe." 

Everyone, including staff and customers will be given an infrared temperature check to help ensure their health as they enter the tasting room.

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Most wineries are still planning out how they will operate with all of the coronavirus considerations. 

"My best guess, first week in June," said Volcanic Hills owner Bobby Gidda about his reopening plans. Look for many wineries to open around that time.

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With input from Worksafe BC, wineries from around the province will be taking part in a webinar tomorrow to talk about best practices for open tasting rooms in the COVID-19 era.

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