COVID-19 Information

In order help keep our staff and students healthy during this uncertain time of COVID-19, San Francisco Wine School has implemented the following practices and policies in accordance with the California State and San Mateo County guidelines. 

San Mateo County is currently in the Substantial Risk Level, meaning SFWS is allowed to open to 25% capacity with a max of 100 persons with social distancing and sanitation protocols in place.  

The school is open Mon - Fri 10a-5p to support in-person operations and distance learning.   Students may reach us at 650-763-1324 and help@sfwineschool.com.  

When Possible, Classes & Events are Being Conducted in Live Webinar Format with Wine Tasting Kits

All webinar participants will receive pdf handouts, wine lists, and a calendar invitation to attend the webinar with login details.  Wine tasting kits are included with all full price registrations.  See information about Wine Tasting for Classes & Events below.

In-Person Exams, Classes and Private Events May Be Conducted

Some activities such as exams, certain classes and private events may be conducted in-person when they don't lend themselves well to distance learning.  These may be conducted outside or inside provided they are in compliance with local heath regulations.  If conducted at San Francisco Wine School, exams, classes and events will not exceed our 25% capacity of 100 persons and will be conducted with the following precautions:

• You'll be screened for illness prior to arrival and upon checkin (please submit this form in advance)
• Valveless 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
• 6ft social distance when standing and sitting will be required

Please note that we expect exam, class, and event sizes to be small, however 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.

Wine Tastings for Classes & Events

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 1 business day prior to the start of class for us to process new WEBONLY registrations and provide you with class materials.  

When participating in wine tastings during in-person exams, classes and events, we ask that masks remain on at all times except while actively tasting.  

Rescheduling Policy

Most class recordings are available should you need to miss class and may be requested by contacting help@sfwineschool.com.  

View our Cancellation, Reschedule and Refund Policy

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 With You

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.