Sonoma County moves into phase 3 of the state's reopening plan Friday, a day that connoisseurs of wine, beer, and spirits have been eagerly awaiting. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are beginning to open in Sonoma County by the hundreds.
"We've been missing people, we want to see people and have them discover the vineyard and our special vines," said Bill Nachbauer, owner of Healdsburg's Acorn Winery. Nachbauer grows and blends a mind-boggling 90 varieties of grapes and will welcome back a maximum of six people at a tasting by appointment only. Visitors will be given mini-carafes to pour their own wine, and they must wear a mask at all times except while tasting.
"We worry about our health, and our employees, and we will be wearing masks and trying to maintain a safe distance," said Nachbauer, "but it is a bit worrisome."
Sonoma County breweries, distilleries, and wineries are allowed to open but bars are not allowed to open yet unless they also serve meals. Sonoma County Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase condeded it is worrisome allowing more people to gather when rates of the coronavirus are on the rise.
Other county by county changes include outdoor restaurant dining in San Francisco, indoor retail sales and housecleaning in Marin County, outdoors restaurant dining in Santa Clara County, outdoor dining to San Mateo, and 12 person 'social bubbles' in Alameda County.
