Cornell experts offer advice for reopening craft beverage tasting rooms

ITHACA, N.Y. – Returning to “business as usual” seems like just a dream these days, but members of New York state’s craft beverage industry are making plans for turning that dream into reality in the era of COVID-19.

Industry representatives tuned into a webinar, hosted by Anna Katharine Mansfield, associate professor of enology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Chris Gerling, senior extension associate at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York. They served up best practices for when the indoor tasting rooms reopen under the state’s Phase 3 plans.

In an unexpected move, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo added outdoor tastings at wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries to the state’s Phase 2 reopening plans, which went into effect June 4.

But whether outside or indoors, in Phase 2 or 3, beverage tasting in a coronavirus world requires masking, social distancing and reservations.

“The COVID-19 virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets,” said Mansfield, director of the Cornell Craft Beverage Institute, based at Cornell AgriTech. “Physical distance and limited-time exposure will decrease your risk of transmitting the disease, which is why we keep hearing about social distance and staying away from crowds in closed spaces.”

To stay current on COVID-19 details, Mansfield suggested that craft beverage businesses designate a coronavirus lead and “making this part of your culture.” She also suggested daily wellness checks for employees, and to keep records of those checks.

Gerling and Mansfield said staff should be trained to wash hands properly, and maintain clean bathrooms, which includes frequently sanitizing sinks and door handles. Glassware should be washed at 160 degrees and sanitized. To rate wines, guests should bring their own paper and pencil.

A “COVID concierge” could help guests feel comfortable with the safety policies and tasting options, they said, and to ensure that masks are worn and social distance is maintained.

Best management practices for craft beverage tastings during the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the CCBI website.

For additional information, see this Cornell Chronicle story.

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