Virtual Wine Tasting Party with Sommelier

The weekend approaches, but the previous social gatherings have taken on a new form. The closures and self-quarantine mandates have brought on the dawn of the food and wine delivery service industry. 

Furthermore, there are now wine tasting kits available online. The range of products is vast, and the varieties of wine produced around the globe, most kits come with vintage to taste test. One such sample kit offers a Pinot Grigio, a Rosé, a Sangria, and a Merlot. 

Kits like these allow for a broad spectrum of festivities. 

 

What can I expect at a virtual wine tasting with a sommelier?

For beginners, there are introductory tasting seminars, etiquette sessions, pairing principles, and wine tasting methodology to get an excellent base knowledge of wine. Besides that, expectations should correspond with the theme of the night. 

Take a simulated “walk-around” tasting station theme. Where you can meet a sommelier at each station who not only knows the vintage but can help guide you on the flavors and bouquets of each wine. 

Other themes have a selection list of wines to follow along with the virtual tasting session. 

 

How do I host a virtual wine tasting party with a sommelier?

Hosting takes a little more preparation than, say, scroll and click. Decisions have to be made, for example, will the guests be visiting or remoting into the party? Also, make sure to take into account the audience being hosted. 

Here are a few examples of Hosting situations to consider:

 

A fully remote experience requires all participants to have

 

• The wines for tasting along with the glasses
• Snack, food pairings
• Viable internet, CPU capabilities

 

Hosting guests with Virtual Sommelier

 

• Coordinate guests, rides, parking
• Coordinate wine purchases
• Have Dinner prepare

 

How can I make virtual wine tasting with a sommelier fun?

The easy part is making the evening fun. As certain Covid restrictions lighten up and large gatherings are allowed again, having friends or colleagues over will be better than ever. 

Purchase a wine tasting sommelier for the night and have them virtually video into the room.

Or better yet, have your guest bring their favorite wines and coordinate with the sommelier so that they will have the same vintages for the evening. 

Have you done that? A fresh idea, have guests buy a local label or an ancient vintage and allow the sommelier to reveal secrets, histories, and more about those specific wines. Along with the wine comes the creativity of providing fun snacks and appetizing hors d’oeuvres. 

A good cracker with creamy cheeses pairs well with Malbec; Zesty-type bites are perfect for Sancerre or a light fresh Riesling or fuller Chardonnay. Finally, keep the night going with a sweet dessert with a just as sweet Moscato d’Asti. 

These pairings, along with solid vintages, will keep everyone well fed. Also, having water on hand will help guests maintain a safe buzzed feeling.

 

For how long should an online wine tasting party with a sommelier last?

Beginner sessions may need lighter-bodied vintages if you like to have a multi-bottle taste testing. Otherwise, an average of thirty to forty-five minutes session for a single bottle of wine is appropriate. 

These ideas and other precautions will help the host, you, to keep guests upright and steady on their feet. 

The longer wine tasting sessions should be kept to the half-hour – hour rule per bottle to fully enjoy each vintage and give ample time for discussion and healthy conversation about each label. 

Remember to serve bread, keep water on hand for hydration and cleansing the palate, and be sure to make dinner to help feed and maintain a level of sobriety. 

 

What wines should a sommelier choose for a virtual wine tasting party?

Depending on the experience levels, a good vintage can be hard to select. 

Below are wines for beginners, intermediate, adventurous, and seasoned.

 

Beginner White:

 

• Moscato D’Asti
• Riesling
• Pinot Grigio

 

Beginner Red:

 

• Pinot Noir
• Grenache 
• Shiraz

 

Intermediate White:

 

• Chardonnay
• Champagne
• White Zinfandel

 

Intermediate Red:

 

• Merlot
• Cabernet Franc
• Red Zinfandel

 

Adventurous White:

 

• Sancerre
• Gewürztraminer

 

Adventurous Red:

• Malbec
• Cabernet Franc

 

Seasoned White:

 

• Prosecco, Italy
• Reisling, Alsace – France
• Grau Burgunder, Germany
• Assyrtiko, Greece
• Beechworth, Australia / New Zealand

 

Seasoned Red:

 

• Grignolino, Italy
• Côtes du Rhône, France
• Spӓtburgunder, Germany
• Xinomavro, Greece
• Whakaari, Australia / New Zealand

 

Season Rosé:

• 5 Roses or Amarone, Italy
• La Natice Rosé, France
• Württemberg Schillerwein Rosé, Germany
• Mouchtaro Amuse Rosé, Greece
• Marlborough Rosé, Australia / New Zealand.

 

How to choose a theme for a virtual wine tasting party with a sommelier?

How easy. Think about your audience and the situations that might arise for a gathering of this nature. 

A professional or colleague event considers a team builder theme with a sommelier, ranging from games to fun activities. A knowledgeable wine master there will help you find the right words for the flavors you are experiencing. 

Even a virtual “walk-around” multi-station tasting event would allow the guest to relax and interact in a more casual setting, possibly spark new ideas, and build healthy working relationships, lucrative business partnerships, or innovative thoughts.

A fun idea is to throw a “the office” theme.

For casual occasions such as having a neighbor over for dinner, bringing a new acquaintance to meet the family, a single bottle tasting with a trusty sommelier with a choice snack pairing followed by a hearty dinner. 

Or consider a faster option of a forty-five-minute tasting before going out for the evening’s entertainment, albeit a music festival, stage play, or movie. 

Are you participating in a more intimate evening or having a family gathering for a holiday?

Themes here have no rules, except for maybe holidays if you have family traditions. For example, have a wine tasting with the girls with a sommelier while the men watch the game. 

 

Final Thoughts on Virtual Wine Tasting Party With Sommelier

Have fun; wine tasting is supposed to be an enjoyable activity. Listen and learn what you can from the sommelier; they are experts. When selecting your theme for the event, consider your audience and plan accordingly.