Winery Yellow Cards

Wineries in New Yorks Finger Lakes region are using red and yellow cards, like in soccer, to discipline unruly customers. Many winery associations say the problem mostly stems from groups who take wine tours, but not everyone supports the plan. Group wine tours around the Finger Lakes have been known to turn wild. "A customer almost did a head dive off the porch at one point, or did jump off the porch and almost did a header. Other instances of people urinating in parking lots, people swimming when theyre inebriated in ponds that arent intended to be swum in. Nor do we want them going topless in the vineyards, which has also occurred on occasion," says Paul Thomas, who works for Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Members of the four primary winery associations have come up with a plan to cut back on rowdy behavior. If vineyard visitors do act inappropriately, winery owners will issue them a yellow warning card, like in soccer. "In instances where the group exhibits very bad behavior, or illegal behavior, or in instances where theyve already gotten a yellow card, a red card is then issued. At that point then, theyre denied access at the wineries remaining on their tour," explains Thomas. The vineyard that issued the card will call other vineyards to let them know, and some people think the cards are a good idea. "Well, I think if people are unruly, they need to behave and if that helps curb their behavior, then fine," says Vineyard Visitor Laurie Bechtel. But, naturally, other dont agree with the plan. "I dont think thats really necessary. Its just self-responsibility," says Vineyard Visitor Tom Ramsay. "We just tell them. We dont need a card. We ask them politely to leave," says Dick Remo, of the Chateau Lafayette Reneau Winery. All vineyards that are members of the winery associations already have the red and yellow cards, and can hand them out as they please. So far, no violations have been reported. Photo Credit: Courtesy: Universisty of Adelaide - Australia