COVID-19 related updates (last update September 17, 2021)

To our valued customers,

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority is keeping our guests and staff safe and healthy. As such, some changes have been implemented at our store.

Currently the brewery, distillery, and winery products are all available for purchase at the Wine Visitor and Education Center (winery), or online only. We are open for patio and indoor service as well as in-store shopping. This includes:

• Wine, beer, cider, and spirit tastings
• Wine, beer, and cider by the glass
• Cheese and Charcuterie boards and other snacks
• Tours (outdoor only, capacity restrictions)

Please note that in compliance with the current regulations, only limited indoor seating will be available, most services are offered outdoors - so dress for the weather!

We are offering local delivery (FREE with the purchase of 6+ bottles, or 24+ cans) and Ontario-wide shipping (FREE with the purchase of 6+ bottles of wine).  

Our maximum capacity for indoors is 60 PEOPLE only. As such, please be prepared to wait to be allowed in to the retail store. We will do our best to keep wait times to a minimum. Masks are to be worn at all times while indoors and in line-ups. 

Contact information will be collected and screening questions will be completed upon entry to the building. 

 

VACCINATION RECORDS CHECK

 

In compliance with the Provincial regulations, starting September 22, 2021, Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation will require all patrons visiting their indoor premises for tasting, tours, experiences, etc. to display their valid government issued proof of full vaccination (this means minimum of 14 days have passed since your second dose), along with a government issued identification that carries their full name and date of birth. This is in addition to the requirement of contact tracing information and answering the COVID screening questionnaire.

 

It is the discretion of the individual to determine whether they would like to disclose their vaccination status. Should they make the decision not to divulge this information, they will not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination.

 

Patrons visiting our patio area are not required to display vaccination records. However, they are still required to check in at the front to provide their contact tracing information and answer the COVID screening questionnaire. Customers visiting our store’s indoor area for purchase only, or to use the washroom are not required to display vaccination records or contact tracing information.

 

This policy applies at the following areas of business:

• Wine Visitor and Education Centre
• Niagara College Teaching Winery
• Niagara College Teaching Brewery
• Niagara College Teaching Distillery

 

A person is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they have received:

• the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada
• one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada; and
• they received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated

 

What constitutes proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (Ontario Residents)

• Fully vaccinated individuals can download their vaccination receipts from the provincial portal

 

The manner of confirming proof of vaccination

• Prior to entry, our staff will visually verify your vaccine certificate with accompanying government-issued physical identification

 

Exemptions:

• Patrons that under 12 years of age are exempt from this policy
• Patrons with a medical exemption are required to present identification and a written document stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason to the business or organization.
• To review proof of a medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, a certificate obtained from physician or registered nurse in the extended class must be provided. Such a certificate must include:
• The name of the person in the written documentation matches the identification provided.
• The physician’s or registered nurse in the extended class’s information is complete by including:
  • Name and contact information of the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
  • Logo or letterhead identifying the physician or registered nurse in the extended class;
  • Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
  • Any effective time-period for the medical reason which includes the date the patron is seeking access to the business or organization.