I have been visiting a few cellar doors lately in search of a few good cool-climate styles for the cellar and wine fridge.
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It's been quite an experience as regulations surrounding COVID have put venues under pressure as far as seating is concerned, not to mention the time it takes now to "pop in" to a cellar door and just pick up a few of your favourites.
There is the ubiquitous sign-in or record of your attendance, then finding a seat that doesn't place you within spitting distance of your fellow tasters - and talking of spitting, spittoons are a no-no, unless you are given your own personal one on your table.
So a heads-up for those heading off to taste wine in the near future. Always book first.
Your chances of getting a seat (no standing allowed) are better if the winery has allocated you a place. With restrictions on the numbers allowed in one venue, (rules are the same as for clubs and pubs), you could be turned away, which is awkward and inconvenient.
If you book a group in, no more than 10 people are allowed. The rules are quite clear and many venues have been fined for allowing more than 10 to book two tables. This is a big no-no.
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As per Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) laws, all venues that serve alcohol must provide water. In the past this could have been a communal bubbler or a glass poured out of the tap, nowadays it's more likely to be a plastic bottle of water that you can take home. So bring your own water if you are anti-plastic. And talking of RSA rules, don't be put off by the amount of wine you are poured in your tasting glass. It's a tasting - and only 15ml or less is allowed. If you are going to taste six or seven wines, that accumulates to one standard drink
Most wineries now charge for tastings. Don't let this put you off, as you will be allowed to taste enough wine to give you an idea of what you like before you buy. And yes, you should purchase something to support your local winery. Their livelihood is selling wine, and they too need to survive.