Just nine days ago wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars were given the green light for re-opening to visitors where permitted by counties. This is welcome news for producers and retailers whose operations have been affected since March as result of COVID-19.

What has not changed is a continued concern for the health of customers and staff, and strict attention to public health guidelines.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards Temecula reopened the tasting room and is welcoming guests, Robert Renzoni said.

“We are here to help you forget the challenges we have all faced over the last few months. Enjoy a tasting of Italian style wines and transport to a happier, more relaxed time and place.

“This reopening comes with regulations imposed by the state of California that has changed the landscape of how we do business.”

For more information, call (951) 302-8444 or visit www.robertrenzonivineyards.com or www.temeculawines.org.

Packing House Wines in Claremont has fortunately been able to remain open in a retail capacity the past few months.

“We were happy to continue to offer quality wines to our community. We have been offering a free wine delivery service to Claremont, and a modest regional minimum purchase for delivery,” said co-owner and sommelier Sal Medina. Their dining room re-opened recently and will continue to offer take-out menu.

“Our website now features an online wine store,” he said. “We uploaded over 600 items and offer UPS shipping, local delivery, or curbside pickup. Highly trained staff are available to guide consumers with phone purchases.”

In response to changing times Medina began a series called “essential six-packs,” a weekly curated selection of wines based on a theme, including Malbec followed by “Cabs for Dads” and “Summer times Reds.

“One of our main concerns has been how to cater to our customers who wish to avoid or minimize their in-store experience. We were happy to offer a new takeout dinner menu starting on May 2, and our classic weekend wine tasting in a to-go format. This is accompanied by a video walk through on our social media,” said Medina.

Pacific Wine Merchants / Cigar Exchange Int., in historic downtown Upland, is where visitors again can sip their favorite beer and wine while enjoying a smooth cigar on the patio or inside at the bar.

“We are open with special hours, and the bar and patio areas are set up for social distancing of course, with all San Bernardino County Health Department measures are in place,” said Mark Heffernan, co-owner.

“All of our wines and beers are fresh and all areas are deep cleaned for protection of guests and staff. We are using single use glassware. The retail sales area is open and social distancing measures are in place. Our staff is available to happily answer any questions.”

“As I have shared, there isn’t a manual for how to deal with Covid-19, and things are subject to change, but we are doing our best and ask that patrons please be patient as we navigate the ever-changing waters of business in 2020.”

“We are proud of our Grade-A business under San Bernardino County mandates and we will continue to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in all our operations.”

For more information including their popular live music schedule, call (909) 946-6782 or visit www.pacificwinemerchants.com.

Cucamonga Valley Wineries can be reached at: Galleano Winery (951) 685-5376 www.galleanowinery.com J. Filippi Winery (909) 899-5755 www.josephfilippiwinery.com

Gino L. Filippi is a fourthgeneration Cucamonga Valley vintner. Send wine comments and questions to Ginoffvine@aol.com.