COVID 19 Winery Update
In light of COVID-19, the Okanagan Crush Pad team is following safe practices as outlined by government officials. This includes making it possible for employees at both our winery and our Vancouver office to work from home to allow adequate spacing in the work place. We are providing some employees with personal computers and VPN connections, and the system is working well.
Any employees who could not work as above and who feel unsafe or health compromised are offered temporary lay off options. At the winery, the tasting room is closed since mid-December, with no immediate plans for reopening. Online ordering and delivery or drive-up pick up are options. Taking safety to another level, the winery has used its facility to make thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer which the team is distributing for free to customers, restaurants who offer to-go service, private liquor retailers, health care workers for home use, and people in the community who are most in need, specifically the elderly.
The winery had employees returning from abroad, including owner Christine Coletta (who returned March 10). Each person was provided instructions upon reentry into Canada at customs and immigration, and each followed those instructions. It is reassuring that any team members who traveled returned from low risk zones, have proven to be healthy and symptom free, and have fully returned to work.
Business Update
Due to restaurant closures, OCP’s business is significantly impacted and sales are down. This situation has necessitated the lay off of several employees. OCP is not unique in this aspect and many Canadian employers are in the same unfortunate position.
Like many Canadian business, the Okanagan Crush Pad team is finding ways to be innovative, connect with our customers, and stay relevant during a period where people are worried about personal safety, finances and their general well being.
We are very thankful to our families, team members, trade customers, and the public for their steadfast support.
All of us have had to adjust the way we do things temporarily, and we will all get through this together.
Please stay connected to us and each other through social media, and when it is safe to gather again we look forward to getting in front of you and sharing a glass.
If you have any questions, please contact Christine Coletta christine@okanagancrushpad.com