Post COVID-19 Italian Wineries Protocol
Winery hospitality in Italy is a big business with wineries, from Sicily up to Dolomites, offering varied experiences, from a simple three-wine flight to more complex and unique tastings integrated with technology.
“Movimento Turismo Del Vino” a pioneering wineries association born in 1993 and creator of the legendary event “Cantine Aperte” meaning “open wineries”, was created when wine tourism was practically non-existent, and is now in line with current needs. Together with Roberta Garibaldi (professor of Marketing and Tourism Management at the University of Bergamo, member of the Board of Advisors and certified Ambassador for Italy of the World Food Travel Association and Technical Committee of The Grand Wine Tour) they have created a Wineries Protocol that contains the directives to safely welcome people at wineries across the country.
Some of the protocols include:
- private or very small groups for winery tours and tastings,
- outdoor experiences,
- one-way winery visit paths,
- online bookings,
- individual spittoon(s),
- bottled water,
- portioned food,
- signage reminders to respect safety,
- available hand sanitizer
The protocol also gives very important directives to the winery staff regarding cleanliness and contact with the client.
The dome shaped tasting room at Cascina Chicco winery
We spoke with Max Coppo, Founder and President of The Grand Wine Tour Association, over the phone about how GWT wineries are facing the new normal.
“Each winery has secured their cellar and wine tasting rooms but with each winery very different from one another, this creates many interesting indoor and outdoor experiences.”
- Ceretto, iconic Piedmont Barolo producer, has set up in a big event room, single corners with wine barrels where guests can enjoy casual educational introductive wine tastings.
- Tenuta Carretta, located in the beautiful Roero area, has structured a real Grape Road with several hiking paths and the option to reserve a Michelin lunch basket created by chef Flavio Costa.
- Chiarlo Winery, in Asti province, at his incredible Art Park La Court has created an app to independently visit the park and enjoy an outdoor lunch.
- In Marche region, Tenuta Cocci Grifoni has designed trekking and biking tracks among their vineyards as well as Umberto Cesari near Bologna created amazing trails where you can enjoy their fabulous wines, a picnic with local delicacies and the stunning landscapes.
