Tim’s Wine Market Orlando is suspending its wine seminar series until further notice because of concerns over COVID-19. An email to customers – headlined by the photo below- said patrons with prepaid reservations will get refunds or store credit. The store’s informal weekend samplings, however, will continue as usual.
As we reported on Thursday, the Orlando Magic has postponed its blockbuster Orlando Wine Festival and Auction that was scheduled for this weekend.
Apart from that, most Orlando-area wine establishments appear to be operating as normal.
“We’ve been really busy lately,” said Digress Wine owner Rob Chase, “so I’m going to keep rolling with it!”
Quantum Leap Winery is going ahead with tonight’s pairing dinner with Swine and Sons. Curate’s “Pet Nats and Pet Cats” fundraiser featuring the wines of Carolina Gatti is still on for tonight at Eola General too.
So far, there have been no cancellation notices for other upcoming events on the Orlando wine calendar.
Taking Extra Precautions
Many area wine bars have emailed their patrons about extra precautions they’re taking to guard against the novel coronavirus.
“We are using bleach to clean any and all non-porous and plastic surfaces, our tables are wiped down with commercial sanitizer, and we are polishing glassware with single use towels,” read this afternoon’s message from Winter Park’s Vines & Forks at The Wine Barn.
For Luisa’s Cellar in Sanford, the extra safety measures include dialing back a normally effusive welcome ritual.
“As you know whenever you come to the bar you are greeted by a hug and kiss,” owner Yellymary Montalvo wrote in an email on Friday.
“We will hold on those for a little bit and shower you with love and hugs when this crisis dissipate(s) for your own safety and ours.”
Montalvo says Luisa’s will operate as normal unless officials invoke mandatory closures.
“In a moment of such uncertainty we want to be able to offer a place where you can relax and unwind.”
Orlando Wine Blog 