Weekend plans: staying distant and drinking remotely
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara, California and the United States are surging. New records are being set almost daily. Public health officials are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as possible and reduce gatherings.
To help make the stay-at-home order more enjoyable local businesses are selling to-go drink experiences normally reserved for their business.
If you think the stay-at-home order will leave your weekend on the rocks, just pop over to some of Santa Barbara's businesses, offering a fun stay-at-home experiences.
Amanda Davis is the assistant general manager at Pali Wine Co. She's hoping their take home experiences will keep their customers entertained.
"Just to still have that face-to-face with our customers and our wine club members," said Davis.
Andrew Mendoza at the Eleven-14 Craft House has a similar hope. "Having the best experience and quality as they get to enjoy these at home too."
Due to COVID-19 restrictions wine tasting rooms are not allowed to sit guests. But that’s not stopping Pali Wine Co. in the Funk Zone from selling to-go flights. They are offering flight pours of five for people to take and sample in the safety of their home. Then using Instagram videos with their winemaker to take the wine tasting experience anywhere.
"Five different wines," said Davis. "Usually, right now it's a set flight. And it's a variety of whites and reds. So you're able to follow along with our wine maker and taste all of our wines."
Over on State Street, Eleven-14 Craft House recently added more sizes of to-go drinks, with two or four servings.
"So you can go home and pour it over ice so you get the best quality of product that is possible," said Mendoza. "We have a full bar and we have some wonderful craft cocktails that are of option. And we just want to make the best experience for those who are staying as safe as possible and remaining at the stay-at-home as well."
Miramar Beach Bar in Montecito is also starting to sell to-go cocktails. Along with their wines, beers and other drinks available to-go there will be a food truck offering burgers, salads and tacos.
For those craft beer fans that can wait another month, the Santa Barbara Zoo is offering a special virtual beer tasting event. Friday tickets go on sale for the Santa Barbara Zoo Brew at Home. The event will feature a three hour streamed experience featuring the zoo’s favorite animals. One ticket comes with a variety 14-pack of beer, Zoo Brew cup and other swag. Tickets are $70.
