Airing between regular episodes of the VinePair Podcast, “Next Round” explores the ideas and innovations that are helping drinks businesses adapt in a time of unprecedented change. As the coronavirus crisis continues and new challenges arise, VP Pro is in your corner, supporting the drinks community for all the rounds to come. If you have a story or perspective to share, email us at [email protected]
In this “Next Round,” VinePair Podcast co-host Zach Geballe speaks with Taylr Cuneo, managing director of Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma Valley, Calif. Because Ram’s Gate sits on the edge of the Sonoma Valley and Carnernos AVAs, this winery is able to work with some of the finest single-vineyard expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from each area.
Cuneo discusses some of the strategies and conversations she and her colleagues are having while welcoming visitors back to Ram’s Gate during the first phases of reopening. Current California regulations allow the winery to admit visitors, but strictly under the requirement that wine tasting is accompanied by a food component. To accommodate these laws, Ram’s Gate serves multi-course pairings to accompany wine offerings.
During this time, Cuneo and her staff are shifting their focus from curbside pickup and delivery meal kits to on-site efforts, reinvigorating sanitation procedures, and continuing safety precautions. Cuneo strives to continue providing the best guest interaction possible, with these measures in mind. While Ram’s Gate’s current efforts demonstrate positive signs of rebuilding, the winery is looking forward to reintroducing wine tours and one-on-one tastings in the near future.
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