The Vault Wine Lounge remains open for business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re doing what we can to help (safeguard the public) during these difficult times,” said Mary Jo Wallace, who has been the bartender at the downtown Ripon business located at 111 E. Main St. since its opening nearly two years ago.

By that, she means keeping the industrial chic décor, bar and tables clean and disinfected to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.

The Vault Wine Lounge — like other businesses in Ripon, Manteca, and Lathrop — are still open for business although that might mean adjusted hours.

On Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day, Wallace had just opened up during the late afternoon for business, which, she said, has experienced fewer clientele than the usual – as compared to this time a year ago.

Yet the drop-off has been anything dramatic.

“I think the Ripon community does a decent job of supporting all local businesses,” said Wallace. “By no means has it been a ghost town out here.”

Those who work at The Vault must also be in good health. “A coworker who is not at 100 percent (healthy) will be asked to stay home,” Wallace added.

The Vault, she said, is also doing its part to help others in need.

Those who donate a package of toilet paper, Lysol disinfectant spray and other such products including wipes and hand sanitizers, to name a few, will receive 50 percent off a glass of wine.

The items collected will then go to Bethany Home of Ripon to help those at the senior housing and health care facility.

The Vault opened in the summer of 2018 by first-time business owners and sisters, Kara Bogetti and Merissa Deming of Ripon.

Featured are red varietals from Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Paso Robles and the Williamette Valley, to name a few, along with white wines from Rutherford, Carneros, Sonoma Coast and Cotes De Provence, along with sparkling wine / champagne choices.

The Vault also offers small bites, craft beers, and one-of-a-kind wine taps.

For more information, log on to www.thevaultripon.com.