Many tasting rooms and restaurants on wine estates in the Western Cape have closed their doors until further notice in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Social media has been flooded with posts from popular wineries who announced their closures and cancelling events.
On Monday Nederburg posted on its facebook page:
PLEASE NOTE
In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address last night, as of today (16 March 2020) our home in Paarl is closed until further notice. As a tourist destination in the Cape Winelands, we have the responsibility to do what we can to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. This also means that upcoming events hosted at Nederburg such as the screening of La La Land will, unfortunately, be cancelled. Please contact Webtickets if you have already purchased tickets. While this decision isn’t an easy one, we feel it is the right one, and thank you for your continued support. We wish you well during this time. #FlattenTheCurve.
Tokara Wine and Olive Estate have taken precautionary measures by closing their premises and testing their staff after they came in contact with a coronavirus-positive tourist.
“A group of wine enthusiasts from the Netherlands visited us on March 9 in the evening for a private function while all of our departments were closed to the general public,” Tokara said in a statement. “One of the members of that group has since tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Two members of our marketing team and the restaurant staff on duty that evening were in contact with this group and as such, we have implemented self-isolation and testing for these staff members.”
Tokara is assuring its clients that it will continue to send out updates and encourages anyone who is displaying flu-like symptoms to contact the coronavirus hotline on 0800-029-999.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne and the L’Ormarins Estate have also decided to restrict all visitors to the Estates.
“Anthonij Rupert Estate, having operated by appointment for some time, will be reimbursing all guest bookings with prior paid reservations for the next 30 days in full. No guests will be received on the Estate from Monday, March 16, 2020 until Wednesday, April 15, 2020. We extend our thoughts, prayers and solidarity to all the communities of South Africa at this difficult time, and remain in deep faith that we will succeed at mitigating the effects by working together,” added Managing Director Gary Baumgarten.
Various restaurants and nightclubs are also shutting down. Chef Luke Dale Roberts to close his restaurants, including The Test Kitchen for two weeks due to COVID-19.
While some restaurants are opting to close temporarily, others are simply changing the way they do business. Customers can continue to support them by being more sanitary when they eat out, showing solidarity on social media, using alternatives to cash and tipping generously when you order a takeaway.
