Domaine Serene Poised for Rebound After COVID-19 Closure

DAYTON, Ore., May 15, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​Domaine Serene, the award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer located in the famous Dundee Hills of Oregon, certainly was not exempt from the challenges faced by wineries during the COVID-19 pandemic. With three locations spanning their Clubhouse in the Dundee Hills to their two Wine Lounges in Portland and Lake Oswego, the statewide shutdown presented some unique challenges. As usual, the winery met this test head-on and was able to pivot and even thrive during this difficult time.

“There is simply no doubt that times are changing, and the wine experience is no different in that regard,” says Ryan Harris, President of Domaine Serene. “But one thing is a constant – we make amazing wines. And wine is something that has always brought people together even in difficult periods. It has been our privilege to find new and innovative ways to connect with consumers.”

Fortunate to be designated an essential business, the winery was able to flex its team members to roles which were not only deemed critical but could also be done safely while observing social distancing guidelines. The team at Domaine Serene eagerly volunteered to help in the winery on the bottling line, coordinate curbside “no-touch” club shipments pick-ups, and created a popular to-go food menu at its Lake Oswego location. They even helped the community by serving hundreds of pizzas to local first responders at several Portland police precincts and hospitals as part of their new ‘Pay it Forward’ giving program, which to date has raised over $5,000 for charity.

In less than two months, the winery temporarily shifted its business model from a destination tasting room and two very popular wine lounges to an outbound sales model, relying on phone and email, as well as virtual wine tastings, to stay in touch with their loyal members and customers. The response was significant and the appetite for connection strong.

The winery will re-open its doors on Thursday, May 21, 2020 and is exercising an abundance of caution to best protect its visitors and staff. Most notably, they will be requiring reservations for all experiences for the remainder of 2020.

In addition to going reservations-only, a bold move and a rarity for tasting rooms of this size in Oregon, Domaine Serene’s hours of operation will be limited in the early phases of re-opening, initially open Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  Also, visitor capacity at the 30,000-square foot Clubhouse will be reduced by 50 percent. Tables will be spaced six feet apart and group size limited.

Further safety protocols will ensure that the Clubhouse remains a safe place to visit and work. Consumers are encouraged to contact 503.864.4600 or [email protected]. All updates can be found on the winery’s social media pages as well as at www.domaineserene.com​​.

Source: Domaine Serene Vineyards and Winery