Wineries reopen gradually in Santa Maria Valley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Adam Manfredonia says he has been feeling isolated since the Covid-19 pandemic. "Like everyone else you’re starting to feel pretty isolated and you’d like to get back to some of the activities you enjoy before."

One of those activities is wine tasting.

"This is the first opportunity we’ve had to come back up and you know it’s the first email we’ve gotten from anyone that talks about re-opening," said Manfredonia.

For the first time in three months Rancho Sisquoc near Santa Maria opened its doors for visitors to enjoy some wine tasting and good company.

"It’s definitely a new world. We just opened on Friday through reservations. We’re keeping the proper social distancing and staff members are wearing masks," said Steve Fennell with Rancho Sisquoc.

Customers are also asked to wear masks until they are seated.

"It’s definitely posing a challenge as we go through this safely and it’s a new way of doing business," said Fennell.

Right now customers are not allowed inside for wine tasting but all of the outdoor seating is available.

Manfredonia says he couldn’t be happier just to be able to sit outside in a peaceful environment. "It's nice to feel normal for a few hours, to get back to something that you enjoyed before and take your mind off all that and to relax."

Not all wineries are open yet.

Foxen Winery will welcome customers on Thursday by reservation only.

As for Rancho Sisquoc, there has been a high demand for service since its reopening.

"We were anxious to be open and certainly our club members and our fans at Rancho Sisquoc as well," said Fennell.