Got $220? You can “visit” Healdsburg’s Jordan Winery using a COVID loophole

The Sonoma County winery may be the first in the state to drum up business this way.

Jordan Winery & Vineyards has found a COVID-19 loophole that will allow it to start doing business again, beginning next week, albeit from a distance. They may be the first winery in the state to do so.

The Healdsburg winery known for its velvety cabernet will begin offering educational nature hikes on the 1,200-acre Jordan estate using the Sonoma County park and trail reopening health order that went into effect May 13, according to a Jordan press release.

The packages are for two people and include a picnic kit and wine to-go, keeping in compliance with the curbside pickup allowance of wineries. The picnic and wine costs $220 plus tax and you can’t enjoy it after the 4-mile hike, which ends at the winery terrace. You have to take it home.

The by-appointment nature hikes will be held at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 to June 7. The reason it is only offered to two people at a time and on select days is to ensure social distancing.

The picnic lunch includes one bottle each of 2018 Jordan Chardonnay and 2016 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, four Journeyman salumi selections, two artisanal cheeses, salad greens from the Jordan Garden and accompaniments, such as estate mostarda.

And since Sonoma County just announced another health order update — botanical gardens can reopen Friday — the winery’s leadership is thinking about educational garden tours with a similar picnic to-go package.