It won't be anything like the Winter Wine Festival of years gone by but Shoalhaven South Coast wineries will open this Queen's birthday long weekend.
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Silos Estate's Rajarshi Ray said at least four local wineries are dong online bookings only for wine tastings.
"I am totally booked out," he said.
But Mr Ray said people can still call in and buy wine to support the local industry at such a difficult time.
"We have a COVID Safe Plan and have halved our floor space to make sure we can meet the social distancing requirements," he said.
"We are completely aligned with the Federal and NSW Government approach because all of us are keen to ensure we don't have a second wave and don't have to close down again".
Mr Ray said there is talk among wineries about hosting events for larger groups again soon to showcase what the wine region has to offer.
This long weekend Coolangatta Estate and Two Figs Winery are among those open all three days. COVID-19 restrictions means wineries are only allowed a maximum of 50 people seated including children and the Two Figs team decided bookings only was the best way to manage numbers.
The local wine industry is taking a cautious approach because the June long weekend in 2016 and 2017 saw more than 10,000 people visit vineyards in the Berry, Gerringong and Shoalhaven Heads area.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
