COVID-19 Response Information

Due to the current concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19) and to help keep our staff and students healthy during this uncertain time, San Francisco Wine School has implemented the following practices and policies in accordance with the state and county guidelines. 

All Classes & Events will be Conducted in Webinar Format Thru July 8th

The school is open only for minimal basic operations and to support distance learning in accordance with the Shelter in Place Order through July 8th.  Students may reach us at 650-763-1324 and help@sfwineschool.com.  In-person appointments may be requested to pickup wine and other class materials. 

During this time, all classes and events will be conducted in live webinar format unless otherwise indicated.  All webinar participants will receive pdf handouts, wine lists, and a calendar invitation to attend the webinar with login details.  See information about Wine Tasting for Classes & Events below.

Small In-Person Classes & Events Begin July 9th

On July 9th, live classes and events will begin to resume at San Francisco Wine School.  Programs that are already in progress may stay virtual.  Please check individual workshop pages or email help@sfwineschool.com to confirm whether in-person is available.  Any in-person classes and events will be conducted at the school with the following precautions:

• No-Valve Face Coverings will be required at all times unless actively tasting wine for all staff and guests
• Hands must be washed/sanitized before entering our facility
• You'll be screened for illness upon checkin (please submit this form in advance)
• 6ft social distance when standing and sitting will be required

Please note that we expect class sizes will be small and no gatherings over 50 persons will be allowed in our facility.  Gatherings of any size will pose a heightened risk of COVID-19 transmission, and that older adults and individuals with existing health conditions are at particularly serious risk if they contract COVID-19 and should not attend.

Online Access Remains Available

We will continue to webcast our in-person classes live for those who are located outside the San Francisco Bay Area, ill, quarantined, or feeling unsafe in public spaces.  Students will be able to participate online with the class and have access to recorded sessions.  

All webcast participants will receive pdf handouts, wine lists, and a calendar invitation to attend the webinar with login details.  

Wine Tastings for Classes & Events

Wine tastings will be conducted during live in-person classes and events.  We ask that masks remain on except while actively tasting.  

Full price Webinar/Webcast participants will receive wine tasting kits that may be picked up free of charge and used during the live class or with the class recording.  Delivery to 43 states is available for an extra fee.  Please see our wine pickup and delivery options for details and recommended register by dates.

Students may also skip the wine tasting or select their own wines for tasting in class and save 40% on these WEBONLY workshops .  Please allow at least 2 hours prior to the start of class for us to process new WEBONLY registrations and provide you with class materials.  

Rescheduling Policy

Our regular Cancellation, Reschedule and Refund Policy is amended as follows through Aug 31st.  Unless specifically amended here, all other terms still apply.  

• Class rescheduling requests may be submitted in writing within 2 hours of class start time to help@sfwineschool.com.  

• Exam reschedules will be allowed in accordance with the relevant credentialing body certification policy. Reschedule fees may apply. Please inquire for details about your specific exam.
  
  

Mandatory Reschedule If You’re Sick or Exposed

To help our staff and guests stay healthy and to help our classes continue to run smoothly, we ask that if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 in the prior 14 days, please:

• Notify us immediately in writing to help@sfwineschool.com and

• Stay home for two weeks from the date of exposure, until you no longer have symptoms of illness, or until you have been medically cleared to resume normal activities.

All rescheduling and distance learning options will be made available to you, so that you can continue your studies when you are ready.

Our Commitment to Health and Cleanliness

• All staff and guests will be screened for illness upon arrival.  Staff will be working from home if they are experiencing any signs of illness or have been exposed to COVID-19. If an instructor needs to stay home, we will find a replacement or notify students as soon as we become aware.

• County compliant Face Coverings are required to be worn in our facility at all times by staff and guests unless actively eating, drinking or tasting.  Note that vented masks are not compliant in San Mateo County because they permit droplet release.  

• Unless guests are from the same household, a safe social distance of 6ft must me maintained at all times by all staff and guests inside and on the landing outside our facility at all times.  This includes seating, checkin lines, restroom lines, etc.  
  
  
• All staff and guests will wash or sanitize hands each time they enter our facility which includes returning from the restroom.  
  
  
• All tables, chair backs, and door handles will be cleaned with disinfectant wipes frequently and in between all classes.

• Gloves will be worn by staff when they are washing, polishing, placing, and removing wine glasses for events and classes.

• Doors and windows will remain open when possible to maximize circulation and minimize the number of commonly used surfaces in our facility.

• Our building management is responsible for common building areas and has committed to keeping restroom soap dispensers full and conduct rigorous disinfecting practices.  

• Our staff will be using all other community spread precautions in addition to those stated above including coughing/sneezing into the inside of elbows, avoiding face/mask touching, washing/sanitizing hands after touching common surfaces or their face/face mask.  We ask that our guests do the same.
  
  

Things to Bring to Class

Face Coverings are now mandatory at San Francisco Wine School.  If you do not have one with you, you may purchase one for a $15 fee prior to entering the school.  

While all of these items remain available for your use, we encourage guests to bring items that make them feel safe to class including:

• Hand sanitizer
• Pens
• Paper
• Water bottles 
  
  

Health & Safety Concerns

If you have additional questions or concerns over any of our health and safety practices, please email help@sfwineschool.com. Thanks very much for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time for us all.