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 sometimes by appointment only, and are only open to small groups. Groups larger than 2 may need to make reservations ahead of time. "Group Splitting" is strictly prohibited.
2. Winery selection 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! These restrictions are slowly lifting as we head into the rest of the year, but there are still restrictions!
3. MANY 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, even for vaccinated guests; though many wineries are starting to loosen restrictions for vaccinated visitors. Failure to comply with winery regulations will result in being refused service and being asked to leave. Guests found not wearing masks outside of designated spots will forfeit their tour immediately, without refund.
4. Lunch options are limited due to capacity and hours changes, as well as changes to local laws. There will also be a selection of cafes and eateries along the way, and there is no shortage of local meats and cheeses to discover! When permitting, we can also get a lunch packed for you via a local bakery; 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. Your tour guide will help you navigate these regulations, as he is very familiar with most of the wineries you will be visiting.
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.
7. Your tour guide will not be joining you inside the wineries, save for getting you set up at your table. Make sure your tell him when you're wrapping up, so he can warm up the van for you and meet you out front to load up the trunk with all your purchases!
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 them too! The more we follow these health and safety guidelines, the faster we can return to normalcy and enjoy the Finger Lakes to their full potential.
1. Wine tastings are sometimes by appointment only, and are only open to small groups. Groups larger than 2 may need to make reservations ahead of time. "Group Splitting" is strictly prohibited.
2. Winery selection 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! These restrictions are slowly lifting as we head into the rest of the year, but there are still restrictions!
3. MANY 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, even for vaccinated guests; though many wineries are starting to loosen restrictions for vaccinated visitors. Failure to comply with winery regulations will result in being refused service and being asked to leave. Guests found not wearing masks outside of designated spots will forfeit their tour immediately, without refund.
4. Lunch options are limited due to capacity and hours changes, as well as changes to local laws. There will also be a selection of cafes and eateries along the way, and there is no shortage of local meats and cheeses to discover! When permitting, we can also get a lunch packed for you via a local bakery; 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. Your tour guide will help you navigate these regulations, as he is very familiar with most of the wineries you will be visiting.
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.
7. Your tour guide will not be joining you inside the wineries, save for getting you set up at your table. Make sure your tell him when you're wrapping up, so he can warm up the van for you and meet you out front to load up the trunk with all your purchases!
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 them too! The more we follow these health and safety guidelines, the faster we can return to normalcy and enjoy the Finger Lakes to their full potential.
Tour Options
During this time, we have two types of tours available:
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The Walk-In Tour: $115 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 have already made some reservations for themselves. Tours can have later start times or earlier end times, but will still cost $95 per person. We will visit up to five (5) wineries on the tour. Your tour guide will assist you with selecting wineries/breweries throughout the day, based on your preferences. You are not required to make your own reservations, though you may if you wish. -Up to four (4) guests are allowed on these tours Monday through Thursday. -Up to two (2) guests are allowed on these tours Friday through Sunday. -Tasting fees are not included in this package. (Exceptions can be made if you already have all of your appointments. Email us and we'll work with you!) Winery selection will be limited due to crowds and changes in reservation policies for many wineries. |
The Guided Experience: $135 per person
For this package (which is also a 6 hour tour, 11am-5pm), we will compile an itinerary for you and your guests, based on your personal preferences, and hand you an easy list of five wineries (or breweries, cideries, meaderies, and/or distilleries) with reservation times and phone numbers/websites. Unfortunately, it has become extremely difficult for third parties to book tours on your behalf, as we have done in previous years, due to industry restrictions. -Up to six (6) guests are allowed on these tours. -Tasting fees are not included in this package. Appointments at wineries are subject to availability, so book in advance! We are not responsible for booked up wineries; appointments go fast! |
But What About Lunch?!
Picnic lunches provided by Simple Sweets Bakery are not currently available due to changes in winery policies regarding outside food during the Covid-19 pandemic. 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. Most wineries are currently prohibiting outside food of any kind due to New York State Health and Safety regulations.
We apologize for the inconvenience. We hope to have these available again soon.
We apologize for the inconvenience. We hope to have these available again soon.
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.
