We continue to follow recommended government and health agency policies and guidelines to ensure the safety and health of our students, staff, and the community.

Our main priority is to balance two imperatives: ensuring that we take prudent precautions to protect our community and the communities beyond our classrooms while continuing our daily education activities in ways that are appropriate under the circumstances. To that end, please note our current covid protocols:

NAPA VALLEY WINE ACADEMY COVID PROTOCOLS as of March 2022

Regarding our in-person classes, exams and events in Napa, Tampa and throughout the U.S.: 

Masking Policy

• Effective March 2022, fully vaccinated individuals (having at least two vaccines) are no longer required to wear a mask indoors*. Wearing a mask, even when fully vaccinated, is still recommended in any event where risk may be high.  

• Unvaccinated persons should continue to mask in all indoor settings.

* unless the mask policy of any rented venue being utilized by NVWA requires a stricter policy otherwise. To keep updated with venue policies, please check directly with any facility you will attend to ensure the latest information. 

In addition to the above masking policy, the following remain in effect for all teachers, NVWA staff and students whether for a class or an exam:

By stepping into the Napa school or any location’s classroom, you agree:

1. that you are not experiencing COVID or COVID-like symptoms that day or 10 days prior to your first day of class or your exam date;

2. you have not been in contact in the last two weeks with anyone who has had COVID or COVID-like symptoms; and

3. you acknowledge and agree to the masking policy stated above.

• We recommend that students bring their own water bottles, as well as a pen or pencil from home, however, most NVWA venues will have drinking water available as well as pencils, and we ensure pencils are on hand for exams.  

• Registration NO longer requires a temperature check nor face shield by the person registering students.

• The instructor may choose to wear a mask in the classroom and any public areas of a venue, and if so, will be fully supported by the NVWA with any requests for masks or other items that they deem necessary for continued safety. 

• Instructors and students should continue to keep at a safe distance when interacting or sitting in the classroom;

• Instructors will continue to handle glassware with care by using hand-sanitizer before handling glassware, and repeating the use of sanitizer as necessary (ie after touching one’s face).

• Wine bottles may be passed from instructor to student, and then from student to student. If this occurs, any student may ask the instructor to pour samples for them. The instructor may decide to pour wine samples for all students, and in that event, may ask students to step out of the room while wines are being poured.

• Disposable spit cups/spittoons will be provided to students. It is the responsibility of the student to dump their spitoons or spit cups throughout the day and to dispose of them as requested by their instructor at the end of the day.

• We ask all students and teachers to continue to be vigilant with hand washing and/or the use of hand sanitizer.
  
  

• Students and instructors will continue to be vigilant when taking breaks and lunches. No congregation in shared areas especially if masks are not worn. If lines form for restroom breaks, all parties will be vigilant in maintaining a 6 foot distance from one another. Group lunches, unless they are distanced, are discouraged.

Thank you for helping us deliver a safe and amazing experience in the classroom! We look forward to seeing you!

If you have additional questions, please email support@napavalleywineacademy.com or call us at 855-513-9738. Our offices are open Mon to Sat 9am to 5pm.

We recognize that these continue to be unsettling times, and whether you are studying with us now or in the future, we want you to know that your safety and wellbeing are our first priority.