A short thread on our first time having to close for tasting at @TablasCreek because of the heat.

As you likely know, California wineries can only host guests for outside tastings, because the risks of COVID transmission are so much lower there. And I agree with this 100%. 1/ https://twitter.com/TablasCreek/status/1289615293153599489

Even in the early stages of reopening when indoor tastings were allowed and many (most?) wineries were using their normal tasting rooms, we opened outside-only, because that was the only way we felt comfortable. We invested in fans, misters, and shade b/c Paso summers are hot. 2/

We've gotten really lucky with the weather since mid-June, when we reopened. Only 4 days over 100 and more days topping out in the 70s and 80s than 90s. With the shade, it's been really nice. I share weather details in this week's @TablasCreek blog. https://tablascreek.typepad.com/tablas/2020/07/veraison-2020-reflects-our-cool-july-and-suggests-a-gasp-normal-start-to-harvest.html 3/

But a couple of weeks ago, when temperatures were forecast to approach 100, we decided that if we felt the heat was unsafe we would close for the afternoons and move any appointments we had to earlier in the day or another day. We didn't need to then, but did this weekend. 4/

The forecast calls for highs in Paso as high as 110. We likely won't get that hot out at Tablas, nearer the coast and in the hills, but even, say, 103 isn't pleasant to sit outside and sip wine. Misters and fans aren't enough help. So we're closing at noon today and tomorrow. 5/

As we thought about it, it was really the only responsible decision, both for our guests and to our tasting room team. We apologize to anyone who was inconvenienced. We'll still have someone there for pickups and to answer the phones. And we'll see you soon, we hope. 6 & END/