CARP – KIN Vineyard’s tasting room will re-open just in time for the peak of the grape-growing season.

The tasting room located on Craig Henry Drive was one of many hospitality businesses forced to close due to the provincial government’s emergency orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been a long spring, but as the City of Ottawa moves in to Stage Two of the recovery phase, KIN can open it’s doors once again.

“We are excited to announce that we will  be opening for business on Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m.” KIN’s owners Lorraine Mastersmith and Shaun McEwan released in a statement.

Mastersmith and McEwan purchased the Carp-based winery from Kinburn’s Chris van Barr just last fall. This will be the pair’s first growing season as owners.

“Given the issues of the day, it won’t quite be business as usual but we think the way we are adapting to the current environment will help our customers and staff feel safe while enjoying of our little piece of paradise,” the pair said.

Tasting Room hours will be:

Thursday, Friday and Saturdays: 11 a.m. through to 8 p.m.

Sunday – 11 a.m. through to 5 p.m. – KIN closes early on Sunday to permit the Biagios Meals to Go program to offer dinner in the vineyard from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The vineyard plans to open gradually.

“Much like the overall economy, we are opening in stages to allow all of us time to adapt to this new way of doing things,” Mastersmith said. “The tasting room itself will remain closed for the time being – we will offer tastings, wine by the glass, and eventually tours outdoors.” 

This weekend all seating arrangements will be first come first served but starting next week the vineyard will be implementing a reservation system where you will need to book your ‘table’ in advance using the website. 

“This will help ensure we can maintain appropriate social distancing while providing maximum flexibility to our patrons,” Mastersmith said. “There will be a small charge upon reservation that will be credited against your future purchases.”

KIN asks that you try as much as possible to order your wines – tastes, by the glass or bottles using the website. 

“We get notification of the order and will set to work right away to satisfy it,” Mastersmith said. “This way we will keep things moving as quickly as possible while practicing safe service techniques.”

Once your order is ready you will get an email that your order is ready for pickup.  We have created a separate pick up window at the middle door of the tasting room.

“Above all, we ask that you maintain safe social distance from other patrons – some of whom may be seated on the deck,” Mastersmith said. “We have more than 47 acres of property, have more than a dozen new seating locations that ensure everyone is a safe distance so with your help, we will be able to enjoy the view, the wines, and each others’ company.”