Covid-19

Coronavirus/ Covid-19 Update

Last Reviewed 15th November 2020

*Update 5th November 2020 - All scheduled November courses have been postponed due to the current lockdown in place across the UK, customers booked for these dates have been contacted and we hope to open with local tier restrictions back in place from 2nd December - subject to Government announcements.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the UK and social distancing measures in place, we were forced to announce that all courses due to run between 19th March and 1st August had to be postponed to a later date. All tickets are fully transferable and customers of postponed courses will be contacted in advance of new dates being released to give priority booking.

All customers of postponed courses have been contacted regarding this by email, but if you have not received the message (i.e. someone bought the course/voucher for you), or would like any further clarification, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please also ensure you have added our email to your address ‘safe’ list to help with the safe delivery of email communication with you.

We are delighted to be back up and running with some of our in-person classes, with more dates to be added in for 2021 shortly, including the courses unable to run this year. Please bear with us as we navigate current changing landscape of advice and instruction, and also as communication with partner venues is on hold due to the current furlough scheme in place at all of them.

Your booking from 2020 will remain valid throughout 2021 to allow time for redemption when dates are available for your course. Online courses and tastings are also now available if you would prefer to transfer your booking to one, or a series of these - please contact Tristan for more information on this.

Gift voucher validity has also been extended from 12 Months to 24 Months to allow ample time for them to be redeemed for in-person or online wine courses and tastings.

This will be updated as guidelines and how we are able to operate safely within them change.

A huge and sincere thank you to all customers for your extremely kind messages of support and for your ongoing patience and understanding at such a difficult and unexpected time for us all. We can’t wait to welcome you back as soon as it is possible to! In the meantime, as always, please do get in touch if you have any questions whatsoever.

WHAT NEW MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE at my course?

Although the tutoring provided with each course will be the same as it has always been, in the current circumstances numbers for each course will be reduced to allow adequate distancing between attendees and, inevitably, some changes also need to be implemented to the way we operate around the building. Obviously we cannot currently accept any individual booking of more than 6 people in a group, however, we can accommodate more than 6 students in total at a course, as long as each individual group (max 6 people) is socially distanced from each other and follows the guidelines as below:

The name and contact details of the lead person in each group (max group size 6) will be taken and retained for 21 days to facilitate track & trace.
Facemasks must be worn when entering and leaving the building and also when moving around it once inside, but not when seated at your table.
The digital contactless temperature of all guests will be taken upon arrival for the safety and peace of mind of all students and tutors.
Hand sanitiser will be available at every point from building entry to teaching room entry and bathrooms.
Capacity is limited to allow 1m+ distancing between tables, which will be set out as tables of two.
The room is very large with a high ceiling and has an excellent electronic ventilation system which will be on the whole time for each course. (cardigans/jackets are advised for those who suspect they might feel it!).
Individual water bottles, spittoons and glasses will be provided on each table, and any crackers and cheese (if included) pre-portioned to individual tasting mats on each table.
To minimise handling, all wines will be poured for guests.
Your tutor will wear a mask and gloves when less than 2m away from you.
Please feel welcome to bring your own pen/pencil and writing pad for notes to minimise waste as any provided will not be re-used.
Internal doors will remain open throughout to minimise touchpoints.
Enhanced cleaning procedures will be in place.

This will be updated as guidelines and how we are able to operate safely within them change.

A huge and sincere thank you to all customers for your extremely kind messages of support and for your ongoing patience and understanding at such a difficult and unexpected time for us all. We can’t wait to welcome you back as soon as it is possible to! In the meantime, as always, please do get in touch if you have any questions whatsoever.

Kindest Regards

Tristan Darby, Great Wine School / Bristol Wine School