Singleton businesses have been lucky enough to be able to open their doors to the public after a seven week lockdown due to the COVID-19 Delta outbreak earlier this year.
Despite the lift of lockdown, many wine and tourism vendors located within the Singleton Local Government area in Wine Country are remaining closed until the rest of the region is out of lockdown.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced earlier this month that restrictions will ease across the state when at least 80% of the population are double vaccinated as part of the NSW Governments Roadmap to Recovery plan.
The easing of restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to ten people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors).
All premises will operate at one person per 4sqm indoors, and one person per 2sqm outdoors. Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism CEO Amy Cooper said the Roadmap to Recovery plan is a step in the right direction that provides businesses and vendors a timeline to prepare for the reopening.
"This lockdown has been really tough on the industry but it's positive to have received advice on how and when we will be able to reopen," said Ms Cooper.
"It's unfortunate that we will have a slight delay with Greater Sydney's ability to travel to us but we a supportive of the health decisions they are making."
The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association report that more than 90% of the industry have had either one or both vaccinations, demonstrating their eagerness to reopen Wine Country safely.
"I think the vaccination stats really demonstrate employers and employees understanding that we need to invest in getting vaccinated to reopened the region safely."
Ms Cooper also reported that the region has a strong COVID safe plan in place and the region is yet to report any venues or locations as a COVID-19 hotspots.
Tintilla Estate, located on Hermitage Road reopened their doors after the lockdown was lifted, however are yet to see any customers.
"We are pretty thrilled to be able to be out of lockdown," said Tintilla Winemaker James Lusby.
"However, we haven't had anyone pay us a visit yet and I don't think we will really start to get busy until Greater Sydney are able to travel to us."
Tintilla are currently taking bookings online and are open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday.
"We hope the unlocking of the state is as successful as it was last year after lockdown and business will be booming again."
For Thomas Wines on Hermitage Road, only a few kilometres up from Tintilla, the lift of lockdown will not be affecting the currently closed cellar door.
"We won't be opening our Cellar Door I don't think until at least the rest of the Hunter region is out of lockdown and able to visit us," said winemaker Andrew Thomas.
"Even the weeks prior to entering our lockdown, Pokolbin was extremely quiet due to Greater Sydney unable to travel up to us who definitely make up the majority of visitors to wine country," he continued.
Meanwhile in Broke, Margan Wines are on track to open their Cellar Door tomorrow and are set to debut their new wine tasting experience.
"We are so looking forward to reopening Margan Wines and Restaurant," said Margan Wines Director Lisa Margan.
"Our hospitality team have been busy over the past months working in the vineyard and the winery but can't wait to get back to the business of looking after our guests here at Broke."
The family owned wine company are eager to present their newest tasting experience that aims to highlight their sustainably farmed wines.
"The cellar door opens in time for the long weekend and the restaurant two weeks after that. Bring it on!," Mrs Margan exclaimed.
During the lockdown, the business kept connected with the community and continued to serve up delicious meals through their 'Margan at Home dining Hampers' experience.
"Our Margan at Home dining hampers have been really well received," Mrs Margan continued.
"For us, it was a great way to utilise all of our beautiful garden produce and to stay in touch with our regular diners, as well as meet some new ones.
"It kept our chefs connected with the restaurant and business which has also been important."
For more information visit https://www.winecountry.com.au/.
