🍷 Wine Tasting for the Socially Distanced: Virtual Events and Tasting Kits

Hello wine enthusiasts! Are you missing the thrill of discovering new wines at tasting events? Well, don’t worry, you can still indulge in new wine experiences while staying safe at home. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of wine tasting for the socially distanced, including virtual events and tasting kits.

💻 Virtual Tasting Events

Virtual wine tasting events have become increasingly popular in recent years, and even more so with the pandemic. These events allow you to taste wines along with a group of people while being guided by an expert from the comfort of your own home. One benefit of virtual events is that they can allow you to taste wines from all over the world without the need for travel. It’s an excellent way to expand your palate and try wines you may have never even heard of before.

Some popular virtual tasting event options include:

• Wine.com Tasting Room: With Wine.com’s tasting room, you can choose to attend a live, interactive tasting with a winemaker or sommelier or pre-recorded events. They also offer a variety of theme tastings, including regional tastings and tastings focused on specific varietals.
• Plum Market Virtual Tastings: Plum Market offers virtual tastings for both wine and spirits, with themes such as “World of Pinot Noir” and “Single Malts of Scotland”. They often feature tastings led by visiting winemakers or distillers.
• The Wine Foundry: The Wine Foundry hosts virtual tastings with their winemakers, tasting through a selection of their wines along with food pairings. They also offer the option to create a personalized blend of wines that will be shipped to your door.

📦 Tasting Kits

Another way to have a wine tasting experience at home is through tasting kits. These kits typically include a selection of wines, along with tasting notes, food pairing recommendations, and sometimes even a virtual tasting component. Tasting kits can be purchased from wine shops or wineries, or even ordered online.

Some tasting kit options include:

• Vinebox: Vinebox offers a monthly subscription service that delivers nine individual wine glasses filled with different wines. Their focus is on introducing you to new and unique wines from all over the world.
• Wine Access: Wine Access delivers curated wine boxes to your doorstep. They offer a variety of different curated collections, including a natural wine collection and a “California Icons” collection featuring renowned California winemakers.
• Nocking Point Wines: Nocking Point offers wine “flights” that come with four bottles of wine, each with their own theme. They also offer a virtual tasting component with their winemaker.

🍇 Tips for a Successful Tasting Experience

Whether you’re attending a virtual event or using a tasting kit, there are some tips you can follow to ensure a successful wine tasting experience.

• Prepare your tasting space: Make sure you have a clear space to taste your wines, away from distractions. Consider having some water, bread, and cheese on hand to cleanse your palate between tastings.
• Take notes: Jotting down notes on each wine can help you remember what you liked and didn’t like later on. Consider noting the color, aroma, taste, and finish of each wine.
• Use proper glasses: It’s important to use the right type of glass for each wine you’re tasting. A larger bowl for red wine will allow it to breathe better, while a smaller bowl for white wine will keep it cooler.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: If you’re attending a virtual event, don’t hesitate to ask the expert leading the tasting any questions you may have about the wine or the region it comes from.

So, there you have it! With virtual tasting events and tasting kits, you can still enjoy the thrill of discovering new wines from the safety and comfort of your own home. Remember to take notes, ask questions, and most importantly, have fun! 🍷🧀🥖