WINE enthusiasts are now able to sit down and enjoy a Coonawarra experience with cellar doors permitted to host dine in tastings as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease across the state.
After weeks of mandatory closures, wineries and cellar doors have reopened to the public after a number of COVID-19 restrictions were lifted this week.
Patrick of Coonawarra owner Luke Tocaciu said the winery was expecting an influx of visitors during the long weekend as the State Government continues to encourage intrastate regional travel.
“We did expect it to be quiet at the start of the week and get busier later on, however we have had a few people call in so far,” Mr Tocaciu said.
“It is good to be able to open for tasting and welcome customers through the door and it is great to see the other side of the last few months.”
Mr Tocaciu said all employees had returned to the workplace and undertaken table service training ahead of the opening date, which he said would provide patrons with a different experience.
“It is a more welcoming and enjoyable experience because you do feel as if you are getting waited on by staff, but it works,” he said.
“We have tables ready for people to come in.”
Facilities and businesses across the community reopened on Monday after the State Government brought forward the second phase of lifting COVID-19 restrictions.
Stage 2 permitted gyms, nail and beauty salons and galleries and museums to open, provided facilities adhere to the one person per four square metre and 1.5 metres social-distancing rules.
The Penola Football Club’s central gym reopened on Monday, with club president Marcus Devereux relieved at the easing of restrictions.
After opening to the public in late February, the Penola Football Club’s central gym was ordered to close by the Federal Government just one month later.
Mr Devereux said while the 24/7 gym was not always staffed, the facility had a key tag system which enabled staff the ability to track users at all times.
“The community has been very excited to have the facilities back and we have even signed up extra members who were ready for the opening on Monday,” he said.
“A lot of people have brought their own equipment during this time, but are still happy to utilise the gym.”
Competition contact outdoor sport and contact indoor sport training is permitted from June 25, but decisions on the 2020 football season has yet to be made.
Mr Devereux said with the future of this year’s competition still unknown, many community members were eager to resume a fitness routine.
“We just ask the patrons follow the hygiene guidelines and use common sense,” he said.
“However it is great everything is getting back to normal.”
Penola and District Business and Tourism Association president Rebecca Trotter said community members needed to work together to encourage visitors back to region.
“Every single resident can help play a major role in kickstarting our economy after what has been quite a traumatic event,” she said.
“Residents can invite their families, put in a call, send a letter or share some posts on social media about our beautiful region.
“We are actively posting about what is going on through social media and encourage people to share these posts and put up their own photographs of things they love to do and experience here.”
