Plan Your Own Virtual Wine Tasting Event
As we practice safe social distancing, you may find yourself missing out on your favorite activities and spending less time interacting with friends. While you may not be able to visit your favorite vineyard right now, you can still experience a satisfying wine tasting event in the comforts of your home.
Virtual wine tastings have gained popularity over the last months, bringing friends and family together in a safe, fun way. Everyone can enjoy wine tasting from home, discovering new favorites, and sampling a selection of delectable wines. Stay connected to loved ones with this entertaining activity. Let’s take a look at how you can set up a virtual wine tasting today.
What You’ll Need For Wine Tasting At Home
Smartphone, Tablet, or Computer
Choose a smart device that works for you. Typically a smartphone, computer, or tablet will do. A smartphone works best when moving around the home. If you’re sitting down or staying in one primary spot, a laptop will do. Make sure that your device is charged and updated to the most recent operating system so that your video app runs smoothly.
Glassware
This is an obvious one, but make sure you have the appropriate glassware. You may even have wine glasses already at home. Having the right glassware helps you better taste and smell your wines to the best standard.
Notepad or Tasting Grid
During your virtual wine tasting, you’ll want to record your notes in a notepad or wine journal. Even use a tasting grid to guide you along the way.
A tasting grid details a list of wine characteristics based on aroma, visuals, and other taste information. This helps distinguish different wines and can guide your friends in understanding what they’re tasting.
Pick a Platform
Now it’s time to consider the platform you’ll use to host your virtual wine tasting. There are many to choose from, but which one is right for you? Consider a platform that works best with your friend group and that’s most familiar to you. Will you need a video chat that holds a large group of people at once? Are there any apps your friends can’t use? For example, having a virtual wine tasting on Facetime isn’t ideal if some of your friends will be using an Android device. Considering these factors will help you choose the best platform for your virtual wine tasting.
Here’s a list of some reliable video chat options to choose from:
- Zoom
- Facetime
- Google Hangouts
- Skype
- Microsoft Team
- Instagram Live
Whatever platform you choose, don’t forget to perform a test run to ensure everything works properly!
Once you’ve chosen your platform, pick a date and time for your virtual tasting. Preferably choose a time towards the end of the day, so your friends can wind down and enjoy it.
Choose a Theme
Next, choose a fun wine theme for your event. You can even brainstorm with friends to see what they’re curious about.
A wine tasting theme helps focus your event, and makes it all the more satisfying to taste and discuss. What wine theme do you have in mind? Examples include Bubbles From Around the World or Old World vs. New World. Even consider different wine varieties from a specific region or vineyard. There are many fun themes to try!
Choose Your Wine
These days, it’s much easier to order wine online and indulge in new wines. We offer discounts on six-packs and cases of wine so you can mix and match to try new bottles!
Keeping this in mind, choose a wine selection that your friends can order hassle-free. You’ll want to pick the same wines as your friends so that you can compare and discuss the wine options together.
Sip And Enjoy!
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your wine tasting at home. On the big day, make sure you have everything prepared. Verify that your laptop, phone, or tablet is charged and ready to go. Clean your wine glasses for tasting.
If you’re up for it, do a little research prior to your event, and throw in some cool facts about the wines you’re trying. You can also get creative and do a blind wine tasting! Ask a family member to put the wines into individual blind bags and get them numbered before the tasting.
Start your video chat and have a great time!
Alternative Virtual Wine Experiences
Don’t feel like hosting a virtual wine tasting experience yourself? No worries. Check with your local wine stores to see if they have any virtual tasting events planned!
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