Virtual Wine Tastings: The Future of Wine Enjoyment

Wine fans know the drill: you stroll to the counter at a beverage shop or winery, eager to explore the tasting menu. Your host pours a finger or two of something golden or rosy into your glass, allowing you to swish, slosh, and swirl your way through a palette of flavors before deciding to kick it back or make use of a spittoon. However, with social distancing measures in place, wine tastings have moved online, creating a unique experience for oenophiles everywhere.

Connecting Through Virtual Tasting Events

Now, wine fans are sharing special moments with friends through ad-hoc virtual wine tastings. You can find winemakers, sommeliers, and beverage store owners leading tastings, pairing classes, and digital happy hours on platforms like Facebook Live, Zoom, YouTube, and Instagram.

Michelle Kaufmann from Stoller Winery in Oregon remarks, “Before the pandemic, we discussed how wineries could use technology to amplify their stories and connect with customers.” The response has been overwhelming, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to relate and interact with winemakers, demystifying the process that goes behind crafting their favorite wines.

Unique Experiences Await at Online Tastings

Logging into a Tuesday night tasting event can be welcoming and humanizing. For example, during a session held by Tennessee portfolio Wine.Theory, winemaker Ryan Stirm entertained viewers by opening a bottle of Riesling using a pair of pliers. This humorous moment illustrated that online tastings provide flexibility; participants can sip along with the hosts or use what they already have on hand.

These virtual wine tastings offer wine lovers who are not near renowned wine regions like Napa, Sonoma, and the Finger Lakes a chance to engage with winemakers and taste new vintages, all from the comfort of their own homes. Consequently, this trend is a refreshing form of connection, helping fans maintain social rituals while supporting small businesses.

US Wineries Offering Virtual Tastings

If you’re curious about trying an online tasting, consider exploring these wineries across the country that have embraced this modern approach:

Buena Vista – Sonoma, California

Buena Vista, California’s oldest commercial winery, offers virtual tastings on Facebook Live, allowing you to experience its rich history while enjoying a bottle at home.

Awen Winecraft – Rogue River, Oregon

Join Awen Winecraft for unpretentious Zoom tastings every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. PT. Each session focuses on an Awen varietal, complemented by a food pairing and a movie for an enjoyable evening.

Lamoreaux Landing – Finger Lakes, New York

Lamoreaux Landing is now providing personal virtual tastings and Social Media Happy Hours on Facebook Live every Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, creating opportunities to engage with wines and their stories.

RGNY – Long Island, New York

With RGNY, enjoy virtual tastings on Instagram every Friday night, along with creative packages like Quarantine Kits, supporting fun activities for wine aficionados.

Kuhlman Cellars – Stonewall, Texas

Experience special theme-based wine bundles from Kuhlman Cellars, which allow you to join in on informative webinars designed to enhance your tasting experience.

Stoller Vineyards – Dayton, Oregon

The famous winery Stoller is offering drive-thru pickups and virtual tastings through its YouTube channel, creating a joyful connection with wine enthusiasts even from a distance.

Frog’s Leap – Napa, California

Enjoy Frog’s Leap’s daily delivery service in Napa Valley or participate in their Interactive Tasting Series every Saturday, where you can order wines ahead for a communal tasting experience.

Big Cork Vineyards – Rohrersville, Maryland

Big Cork Vineyards invites you to their informal virtual tastings every Wednesday evening on Zoom, allowing you to engage with the community and explore exceptional wines from the comfort of home.

Matthiasson – Napa, California

Matthiasson offers elegant online tasting solutions, promoting their unique samples to guide a delightful tasting journey.

Far Niente – Oakville, California

Connect with Far Niente through their custom online tastings or group happy hours, fostering a shared experience of wine enjoyment with friends and family remotely.

Silver Thread – Lodi, New York

This Finger Lakes winery has organized engaging online tastings, welcoming all participants regardless of their wine availability at home.

Close du Val – Napa, California

Choose from a range of tasting packs at Close du Val, allowing for personalized one-on-one sessions with winery team members, providing further insights into your favorite wines.