Cellar doors are increasingly under pressure in the Southern HIghlands recently as city dwellers are pouring into the region for a get away after lockdown or a simple change of scenery to take their minds off the pending doom and gloom that is evident at the moment.

Tasting rooms and wineries operate under the same rules as clubs and pubs, and as such, have to follow strict guidelines and rules regarding how many people can occupy a space while tasting wine.

The very nature of tasting wine, sipping and appreciating what is in your glass, then moving onto the next wine, leaves opportunity for germs to spread. Shared spittoons and water fountains are no longer available and as with all RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) laws, water must be provided to anyone drinking or tasting wine. This is done in the form of individual bottles of water as shared water fountains are no longer allowed.

One of the most important things to remember if you are planning to visit wineries in the Southern Highlands at any time this year, is to call ahead. Make sure you make an online booking or book a spot with staff to ensure you are not adding to the overcrowding in small venues.

Many wineries have had to be inventive and create increased spaces to accommodate enough people to justify them opening at all. Please be mindful that these new arrangements are not long term (hopefully) and were set up to allow social distancing while enjoying wine.

Patrons must always be seated during wine tasting and if food is served, plates are seldom created as shared plates to prevent germs from spreading.

While wandering around our gorgeous wineries seems inviting, again it is important not to leave your seat and to stay in one spot for the duration of your visit.

All surfaces are sanitised before you are seated so allow staff time to clear up after another group have vacated a table or seat.

Use hand sanitiser that is at the entrance and remember to sign in with your details on arrival and follow floor markings.