Hello everyone. It is with great sadness that I announce that
We will not be accepting bookings for wine tours, effective immediately, until February 1st, 2021.
I have vulnerable family at home that I wish to protect over the holiday season, and I have made the difficult decision to put my family before my passion, so that I may be there for them during these difficult times. In my line of work, I have had the privilege of meeting the amazing and diverse people from all corners of The United States of America, as well as the entire world; however, my work has also placed myself and my family at great risk, despite all precautions taken, due to the nature of tourism during these difficult times. Thank you for your patronage and your understanding, and I will see you all next year.
-Dario Burgess, owner
We will not be accepting bookings for wine tours, effective immediately, until February 1st, 2021.
I have vulnerable family at home that I wish to protect over the holiday season, and I have made the difficult decision to put my family before my passion, so that I may be there for them during these difficult times. In my line of work, I have had the privilege of meeting the amazing and diverse people from all corners of The United States of America, as well as the entire world; however, my work has also placed myself and my family at great risk, despite all precautions taken, due to the nature of tourism during these difficult times. Thank you for your patronage and your understanding, and I will see you all next year.
-Dario Burgess, owner
Due to the events and regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has been hit especially hard, us included. However, the wineries will be tentatively reopening their doors to tours, with a few big changes:
1. Wine tastings are often by appointment only, and are only open to small groups. This means we may not be able to make adjustments to our winery list on the fly, as we have for our previous seasons. This also means that we will be at each stop for a set amount of time to keep up with reservations. We would like to apologize in advance.
2. Winery selections may be limited. That is to say, we may not be able to visit all your preferred wineries. Some are closed, have different hours, or may already be booked by the time you request them!
3. ALL WINERIES WILL REQUIRE MASKS TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES, EXCEPT WHEN SITTING DOWN FOR YOUR TASTING. This rule is unfortunately not up for debate. We will simply be refused service and asked to leave, and guests found not wearing masks outside of designated spots will forfeit their tour immediately, without refund.
4. Lunch options are limited due to capacity changes, as well as changes to local laws. We can pack a lunch for you, though! More on that below.
5. Each winery will have its own set of rules for operation, and may seem strange or cumbersome. Adherence to a winery's rules is required to have a safe and enjoyable tasting experience. Failure to follow a winery's rules will result in immediate termination of your tour without refund.
6. Group tours (more than one party) will not be available; all tours are considered private, and the day is closed once the first booking is made. There is a maximum of six guests for custom tours, and four for walk-in tours. More on that below.
We know that this is not ideal, but we are not in ideal times. It is important that we stay safe, but also remember the importance of living life to its fullest. Trust me, we miss the old routines as much as you do, and the wineries miss you too!
1. Wine tastings are often by appointment only, and are only open to small groups. This means we may not be able to make adjustments to our winery list on the fly, as we have for our previous seasons. This also means that we will be at each stop for a set amount of time to keep up with reservations. We would like to apologize in advance.
2. Winery selections may be limited. That is to say, we may not be able to visit all your preferred wineries. Some are closed, have different hours, or may already be booked by the time you request them!
3. ALL WINERIES WILL REQUIRE MASKS TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES, EXCEPT WHEN SITTING DOWN FOR YOUR TASTING. This rule is unfortunately not up for debate. We will simply be refused service and asked to leave, and guests found not wearing masks outside of designated spots will forfeit their tour immediately, without refund.
4. Lunch options are limited due to capacity changes, as well as changes to local laws. We can pack a lunch for you, though! More on that below.
5. Each winery will have its own set of rules for operation, and may seem strange or cumbersome. Adherence to a winery's rules is required to have a safe and enjoyable tasting experience. Failure to follow a winery's rules will result in immediate termination of your tour without refund.
6. Group tours (more than one party) will not be available; all tours are considered private, and the day is closed once the first booking is made. There is a maximum of six guests for custom tours, and four for walk-in tours. More on that below.
We know that this is not ideal, but we are not in ideal times. It is important that we stay safe, but also remember the importance of living life to its fullest. Trust me, we miss the old routines as much as you do, and the wineries miss you too!
Tour Options
During this time, we have two types of tours available:
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Walk-in Tours: $95 per person
Walk-in tours are simple 6 hour tours (11am-5pm) that do not require reservations with the wineries, and are a great option for guests who are unfamiliar with the Finger Lakes, or are looking for a more casual tasting experience. Tours can have later start times or earlier end times, but will still cost $95 per person. We will see a maximum of six wineries on these tours. Up to four (4) guests are allowed on these tours. We will visit up to five wineries on the tour. Tasting fees are not included in this package. Winery selection will be limited, and these tours are only available Monday through Thursday due to crowds and changes in reservation policies for many wineries. |
Custom Tours: $165 per person
Custom Tours are 6 hour tours (11am-5pm) that allow you to pick and choose the wineries we visit, following a reservation schedule. Up to six guests are allowed on these tours. These tours are available any day of the week, and the reservation fees and most tasting fees are included (please see below for details). Man in the Van will make the reservations for you; all you have to do is tell us where you want to go! We will visit up to five wineries on the tour. Great for repeat visitors or experienced wine connoisseurs with specific stops in mind. Please note that due to changes in reservation policies, some wineries' tasting fees may not be included in the above price. You will always be informed ahead of time if a winery we will visit is not included in this price. |
But What About Lunch?!
We apologize for the inconvenience, but the picnic lunches provided by Simple Sweets Bakery will not always be available due to changes in winery policies regarding outside food during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is also no indoor seating available for these lunches, so rain, strong winds, extreme cold or snow will hinder availability as well. And no, we cannot have lunch in the van! Please inquire about lunch availability when you book if you are interested in the picnic lunch. Lunches are non-refundable in the event of inclement weather or changes to winery policies regarding outside food.
Since many restaurants are either closed, require reservations, or have limited seating available, Man in the Van has teamed up with Simple Sweets Bakery to offer picnic style lunches with your tour! These lunches are available for all tour packages, and are $15 per lunch. They consist of a sandwich/salad combo (with one dressing) or a loaded salad (with two dressings). Just let us know when you book if you want to include one, and choose a lunch from the options below:
Make sure you read the Rules page too! These are very important, especially now, and are there to ensure we can safely enjoy the Finger Lakes and be welcome back next time we visit.
