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Riverbench Vineyard and Winery moves services indoors with rain in the forecast

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - As Santa Maria is expected 100 percent rain in the forecast this Monday, a local winery is switching gears with its services.

Managers with Riverbench Vineyard and Winery say while they’re enjoying the sunshine right now, they’re also preparing for the upcoming rain.

For some visitors, rain and wine don’t mix!

"Yeah I thought it would be a great time to get out here before the rain comes … and enjoy time with family and friends … I look forward to having this wine here at this great winery," said visitor Robert Carlton.

Not to mention It’s a beautiful autumn day for wine tasting outdoors, where no masks are required.

"… I just think it’s awesome that we don’t have to wear masks outside here," said Carlton.

But come Monday, Mother Nature is pushing for a 100 percent chance of rain throughout Santa Maria Valley.

"… our biggest concern is just having the space for accommodating rain … we do have a few tables outside they are sheltered," said wine tasting lead Alessandra Alcala of the Riverbench Vineyard and Winery.

Throughout the pandemic the winery thrived on outdoor services. 

They even did away with inside wine tasting for a while to ensure everyone’s health and safety. 

But the projected rain storm is throwing them a curve Ball.

"… we’re not used to having water fall from the sky. So we don’t really know what to do in this new … COVID conscious climate," said winey tasting lead Brad Gustavson of the Riverbench Vineyard and Winery.

But as Mother Nature pushes for rain this Monday, crews are rushing to reopen its indoors services.

" … we might need to move people inside and do some winetasting indoors … on raining days … we will be limiting the capacity to just a few groups. The reservations are very important." said Gustavson.

Rain or shine the winery plans to remain open this coming Monday. 

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Patricia Martellotti

Patricia Martellotti is a reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Patricia, click here.

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