WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- Seneca Lake Wine Trail member wineries are adjusting to new regulations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thursday, Governor Cuomo announced a new Executive Order, requiring the purchase of food with alcohol. This applies to restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries -- any establishment with a New York State Liquor License.

"Everyone sort of seized on the negativity of the moment," Seneca Lake Wine Trail Executive Director Brittany Gibson said, "but ultimately, it really was not a huge deal for our wineries."

That's because most wineries were able to add light, easy snacks to their menus; in some cases, building the cost of the food into visitors' tastings. This includes crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like.

"The good news is, I think, once we all got clarity, we realized, 'Okay, every visitor isn't going to have to purchase a meal,' and 'Every winery isn't going to have to prepare a meal for all these people,' because not every winery has a kitchen," Gibson said.

Mask mandates remain in place, however, Gibson says many wineries have moved away from reservation requirements.

For the most up-to-date information on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries, click here.