VALLEY MILLS, TX — More like family than coworkers, Valley Mills Vineyards had to decided, like many businesses, to move forward during social distancing restrictions while retaining as many employees as possible.
After temporarily closing their tasting room doors in response to Gov. Abbott's direction, the family owned vineyard decided to restructure the responsibilities of some whose roles was based solely in the tasting room.
25 News spoke with Valley Mills Vineyard's Tasting Room Manager, Sarah Holder.
"I am very fortunate that I am one of the small percentage of people that does still have work even if it’s not my normal role," said Holder.
Normally responsible for serving wine tastings, lunch, and selling bottles of wine, Holder's responsibilities we paused as soon as the tasting room closed.
"We didn’t know what was going to happen, what that would mean for me, as I don’t usually work outside normally, it was kind of just an uncertain, it was just scary honestly,“ explained Holder.
Having only been at Valley Mills Vineyard since November 2019, she explained she adores her position as Tasting Room Manager and would have been heartbroken if she couldn't stay.
The Vineyard said they repurposed Holder's responsibilities from serving wine indoors to tending to the vines outside, all to ensure they could keep her on the team.
"It’s fun, and it’s a little hard, I’ll admit, but yes I am very very fortunate and feel lucky that I am still able to work and be in the same place even and do such gratifying work," said Holder.
Excited to have been given the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the wine industry from the vine to the glass, Holder explained she's thankful for the team she's on.
At this time Valley Mills Vineyard is doing free wine delivery to the greater Waco area and free delivery in Texas with the purchase of four bottles or more. For more information contact they via email at valleymillsvineyards@yahoo.com or by phone at 254-848-4343.
