Wineries reopen with new safety measures

BARODA, Mich. -- Monday marked the first day Michigan restaurants and bars can welcome dine-in customers once again.

For wineries and breweries, summer is one of their busiest times, and these business have put plenty of effort into having the safest reopening guidelines.

“We’ve thought about this, we’ve separated the tables, and we’re really trying to create the safest atmosphere that we possibly can,” said Sue Veldman, marketing director at Round Barn Winery.

At Gravity Winery, they’re making masks optional, while at Round Barn Winery they’re asking guests to have masks on whenever they’re not at their tables.

“We’re doing everything by table service this year. So people will come in and check in at our host station and they will be seated, so it will truly be table service - and that will include drinks and food,” said Veldman.

Both wineries say they will be operating at 50% capacity and frequently disinfecting.

“We want people to know that we’re taking extra precautions to sanitize and to clean in between our guests,” said Allison Rick, owner of Gravity Winery.

As for their employees, both wineries will continue to follow the re-opening guidelines set forth by the state.

“We’re going to be making sure as a staff that we’re wearing gloves, we’re wearing masks,” said Veldman.

Even though the past few months have been tough on these Michigan wineries, they’re looking forward to welcoming guests back in.

“I just put out a bunch of signs throughout the road to get people excited to come back in and to know it’s okay, we’re open, because I know that not everyone’s open, so I just want people to know we’re open and we’re excited for them,” said Rick.

While restaurants and bars were allowed to re-open Monday, the governor’s plan allows individual businesses to make the call on if they’re actually ready to allow diners back in.