What it Was Like to Be a Winery During 2020
The Best Winery in Calistoga
When tasting in Napa Valley, we know you’re looking for the most fun winery experience. We got you. For approximately an hour, we will pour you through four unique, limited release wines, delving into stories behind our one of a kind labels and the history behind our treasured spot. We pay attention to the little things: the tables are made of old wine barrels and the garage is decked out with Indian motorcycle memorabilia, a custom-made surfboard, and an Evil Knievel pinball machine. Feel free to wander the garage, play a few rounds of pinball, check out our specially curated merch room, or just hang with our staff. We think tasting wine should be easy, chill, and accessible for everyone and that’s the experience we’ve created at Tank. No judgment. No pressure. No frills. Everything we do is with our heart and soul.
Our Winery Shut-Down Story
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic bringing all of our lives to a seemingly forced halt, life in the vineyards of wine country continues on. The biggest change has been the silence; there’s a new lack of hustle and bustle from the cars lining up highway 12 up and down the valley. Back in July of 2020, Governor Newsom issued an order mandating that wine tastings must cease in 19 counties. For a small, family-owned winery, the news was tough but we know it was the right thing to do. In December of 2020, a regional stay at home order has forced closure again for over 3 weeks. For wineries all over, it seems a pivot to online experiences is in order. You can shut us down, but we’ll keep trudging on and find new ways to adapt.
Our Commitment to Health & Safety
We are implementing important measures to assure the safety of our employees and our guests. We have enlisted in tasting room precautions to ensure an experience enjoyable for everyone. When the tasting room is open, all Tank Garage Winery staff will be screened daily for symptoms of COVID-19, including temperature screenings. Employees will not be allowed to work when they exhibit any such symptoms. All Tank Garage Winery staff will wear personal face coverings. Guests must also wear face coverings at all times, with the exception of when wine has been served to them for their experience. Hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations around our property. Guests are asked to wash or sanitize their hands upon arrival, and to follow good hygiene practices at all times.
Wine Tastings During a Pandemic
To make sure we are able to provide a safe wine tasting experience, we have followed all of the safety guidelines recommended by the state. While we were open, service took place outdoors and indoors with parties not exceeding 6 guests at a time. We limited the number of parties on property at any time, and all tables were stationed at least 6 feet apart. Guests must also comply with our social distancing requirements, and be mindful of maintaining distance from other visitors and our employees at any time they are away from their tasting experience area. Tastings during a pandemic may be limited, but guests are able to enjoy a more personalized, one on one experience with their host. We are truly thankful for the times we are able to be open during COVID-19.
Calistoga Wildfires
When we first read the forecast for dry lightning, we didn’t know what to expect. To our dismay, dry lightning amped up our fire season like nothing we’ve ever seen. But the resiliency of Calistoga is astonishing. In 2020, fires roared out of control in California, destroying much of wine country and displacing thousands of people. In just a few days, the Glass fire erupted in size and destroyed upwards of 80 homes and wineries. All wineries were affected by the Calistoga wildfire in a city highly reliant on tourism. At Tank, we mourn the loss of the wineries who were destroyed in the fires and were terrified when the fires only reached a mile from our little garage. The recovery efforts will take time and we are so thankful for those who have supported us through this year of unpredictable disruption.
Virtual Wine Tastings
As part of this year’s adaptation, we are stoked to be able to provide a way to enjoy our wines from anywhere. We're making it easier than ever to gather with friends and family with our insanely cool virtual wine experiences. Bring the Tank Garage Winery experience to your home. In this one-hour private Virtual Tasting, a member of our team will taste you through 3-4 wines over Zoom. You'll learn about our unique varieties, vineyards, winemaking methods, and worst break-up stories. A wine experience on Zoom may sound intimidating, but our staff makes it super comfortable and fun. We’ve even incorporated wine trivia into our tasting experience to further engage with our favorite folks and so y’all have a shot at winning some prizes. Happy tasting!
Our Cool Tasting Room Staff
Our crew has been working tirelessly through the pandemic and we’re so grateful to have them on our team. Help keep our crazy band of misfits doin’ what they do best and give us a call down at the tasting room. Our goal is to create a memorable experience you won’t forget so we found the finest in the business. When you walk through the front door, it is like walking into a friend’s house. We have the raddest crew around with Heath rockin' the stereo, Jacey singin’ a tune, Conary flexing his camo, and Aaron dropping some hot somm knowledge. From club member, Steph H: “Every experience I've had with a team member there has been fun, educational, and genuine. Almost like hanging out with friends!”
About Tank Garage Winery
Hey there! Welcome to Tank Garage Winery, the coolest winery in Napa Valley. No... really. Visiting the tasting room is like taking a trip back in time to a 1920s gas station turned speakeasy, pouring rad as shit wines and playing bomb as hell music. Cool California vibes mixed with vintage decor bring to fruition the most quirky encounter you’ll get at a winery. Every day, we celebrate this crazy dream turned into a movement where we get to do cool shit and you get to come along for the ride. We celebrate the adventurers, the dreamers, the weirdos, the free spirits, and the misfits. So next time you’re in town, you won’t want to miss out. Come by our little garage and celebrate with us.