It is beginning to look like the pandemic will be with us for a while. Health professionals are working closely with the government to establish safety protocols in the wine and food industry. Of course, social distancing is one of the keys. Masks, gloves, and more are the new normal. One of the beloved annual wine events in this area is Wine and Food Week in The Woodlands. The entire event in the first week in June was postponed due to the pandemic. Using safety/health experiences that have been tested, Wine and Food Week in the Woodlands will begin to roll out in segments. The first up on the calendar is The Platinum Wine Vault Collectors Tasting, a sanctioned Wine & Food Week event for serious wine enthusiasts, which will be held August 21 at Bayway Cadillac of the Woodlands. Offering over 70 premium wines from all over the world, many highly coveted by wine collectors. Attendees will enjoy selections at 14 wine tasting stations that are distanced for COVID safety. “Who would ever expect to have Cakebread or Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Tête de cuvées served by face mask-clad, rubber-gloved serving staff enthusiastically sharing these upper tier selections? But here we are,” said Founder Constance McDerby. Constance went on to explain that she and co-founder hubby, Clifton have worked long and hard to keep the 16-year tradition of wine appreciation and celebration through Wine & Food Week. “We take safety very seriously as evidenced by our 20-page safety protocol manual implemented at all events. Like dining at a restaurant, we know that social distancing and socializing can safely occupy the same space and that attendees will continue to have new wine discoveries and experiences,” added McDerby. For ticket information to this event next Friday, go to www.wineandfoodweek.com. This event is limited to 70 wine lovers!
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission last week re-defined its 51% Rule wherein you are defined as a Bar if your income is 51% or greater for alcohol sales vs. your total proceeds. This definition on total proceeds is allowing Texas wineries to re-open. Wineries like Bernhardt Winery are now open on a limited basis. Bernhardt Winery’s Concerts are held outdoors and are limited as to number of reservations they host. Wineries like William Chris, Becker, and other Texas Wineries host daily virtual wine tastings with virtual wine tasting kits available for sale at the wineries for pickup or via delivery for a nominal delivery fee. Wineries host these virtual tastings on either ZOOM or FACEBOOK with many of the tastings available online afterward via YOUTUBE for your enjoyment. Several Wine Shops are also providing virtual wine tastings online with those wines available at those wine stores. One of the enjoyable benefits from these virtual wine tastings are the responses from peoples as they taste the wines whether it on FB or ZOOM. Whatever your choice of wines, it is always best to share wine with friends with you in person or online. Please fight this pandemic by social distancing and wearing a facemask, especially a facemask that relates to your wine loves!