Willamette Valley wineries prove to be successful during pandemic

In the wake of the pandemic, many local businesses have had their taste of struggles. Since the beginning of March last year, the Willamette Valley wineries did not know what their prospects were for the 2020 or even 2021 season. Willamette Valley Vineyards and Brooks Winery, two popular wineries in the Willamette Valley, continue to strive to keep business going per usual, but they have had their ways of accommodating for the COVID-19 pandemic.

While at first it seemed that both wineries were going to face an extreme deficit, the results proved otherwise and deemed 2020 profitable for both.

Willamette Valley Vineyards faced a 94-day shut down at all venues of operation. This included the McMinnville tasting room, the Turner estate, and the Tualatin estate in Forest Grove. Due to the days of business gone, Willamette Valley Vineyards staff lost 40% of all revenue opportunities making it a big financial hit. Luckily estate manager, Spence Fogarty, and his team, had ideas and ways to ensure the winery’s success while keeping everyone who visits safe and healthy.

 “We had to kind of pivot to a new operational plan to keep our staff and our customers safe,” said Fogarty. He had introduced the idea of virtual wine tastings where their winery ambassadors would be set up with a member or guest virtually to walk them through the tasting. The ambassadors promote the wine and ship it to houses just in time for the one on one with their customer.

According to Fogarty, in the wintertime they lose about 50% of their seating so the team developed a plan to retain the seating while being COVID safe; creating ‘Wine Pods.’ When visiting the Turner Estate, guests and members can reserve a clear plastic bubble for their group, all furnished with heaters, rugs, and cushions to ensure their customers’ comfort.

Brooks Winery alike also had to take necessary precautions while maintaining business as usual. Loyal customers were given new options to get their wine tasting fix including virtual wine times as well as reservations on their property. Overall, the winery did not face any deficits, of course there were some setbacks, but it ultimately succeeded immensely. Janie Brooks, the managing director of Brooks Winery, had mentioned that despite being closed for three months and the strict COVID restrictions, business has been great, though the staff has missed their loyal customers. “The most difficult part of being closed for the three months though was not being able to see our wonderful guests,” said Brooks.

They have expanded their seating to include the lower grounds of the property with large picnic tables, restrooms, umbrellas, and full service making it a huge hit with all their guests, both members and non. “We saw more guests and had a record year in 2020,” said Brooks.

Both Brooks and Willamette Valley Vineyards alike were required to put in COVID restrictions and accommodate for the pandemic but have been proven successful.

Be sure to look out for upcoming events at Willamette Valley Vineyards and Brooks Winery.

More News

Literature fiends of the Valley get a treat on the rocks this April
Literature fiends of the Valley get a treat on the rocks this April

Touring nationally, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy show brings four Poe stories brought to life and paired with themed cocktails to Southeast Salem.

By April Massoni | Best of the Willamette Valley
Local company demonstrates what it means to be the best.
Local company demonstrates what it means to be the best.

Since opening in 1980, Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking has provided quality o...

By Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking
Used-auto dealership provides stellar service without heavy pressure
Used-auto dealership provides stellar service without heavy pressure

Synergize Auto gives the community the best in used vehicles without heavy-hand...

By Synergize Auto

Must Read Articles

The Willamette Valley celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a variety of ways
The Willamette Valley celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in a variety of ways

A pub crawl in West Salem and a St. Patty’s Day walkabout at Salem’s Riverfront Park are among the many ways locals can mark the day honoring one of the patron saints of Ireland.

By Carol Currie | Best of the Willamette Valley
Cherry Blossom Day returns for another Salem spring
Cherry Blossom Day returns for another Salem spring

Another Pacific Northwest winter coming to a close means that flowers all over the Willamette Valley are just about to bloom, and that a Salem celebration of local Japanese culture is just around the corner.

By Savannah Busby | Best of the Willamette Valley
Willamette Val-intines – Salem Offers Fun, Quirky Options for Valentine's Day
Willamette Val-intines – Salem Offers Fun, Quirky Options for Valentine's Day

The Salem area offers multiple fun, unusual options for everyone from friends to lovers to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.

By Savannah Busby | Best of the Willamette Valley
Salem’s unique Valentine’s events that stand out among chocolates and flowers
Salem’s unique Valentine’s events that stand out among chocolates and flowers

Create lasting memories this Valentine’s season by experiencing Salem’s latest haunted attraction or engaging in the excitement of a roller derby match.

By April Massoni | Best of the Willamette Valley