SPECIAL EDITION | May 27 2020
We are delighted to confirm after discussions with our NSW government contacts that a further easing of restrictions from Monday, June 1 st will make it possible for NSW Cellar Doors to open for wine tastings.  

From Monday 1 June 2020 ...

  • NSW Cellar Doors will move in line with restaurants and cafes, and up to 50 people can visit your Cellar Door at any one time, as long as physical distancing rules are followed.

  • Guests will need to be seated to ensure the distancing rules can be enforced.

  • Wine tastings will be allowed without the necessity to serve food. 


We got a few specific points clarified to hopefully answer the most frequently asked questions:

Can I go to a cellar door to do a wine tasting? 
Yes. Tastings of wine are permitted by people who are seated at a table and served by a staff member. Max of 50 people in a venue but must not exceed more than 1 person per 4 square metres and the 1.5 metres social distancing must be adhered to. 
 
Can I buy wine from a winery?
Yes.
 
Can I buy food from a winery? 
Yes.

Can I have people tasting wine standing up at a bar? 
No. All guests must be seated and adhere to social distancing rules.
 
Can I have 50 people tasting wine in the Cellar Door and also have 50 people in the Restaurant? 
No. It appears not, unless you have separate licenses for your Restaurant and Cellar Door.
 
Can I take large bookings of groups to taste at the Cellar Door?
You can take bookings for groups up to 10 people only. 

Are children counted in the 50?
Yes.
 
If my space is small, can I still take 50 guests?
No. You can only fit 1 person per 4 square metres and the 1.5 metres social distancing must be adhered to. This relates to the physical licensed are that the customer is permitted in. E.g. if the customer area is 100 sqm, then only 25 customers are permitted 100/4 = 25.
Staff and contractors are not included in the capacity limit.
Don't forget to check out the COVID-19 page on our website or click on our COVIDsafe Guidelines here ...


Stay safe and happy trading!

Mark Bourne (President)
Angus Barnes (Executive Officer)