Now we’re able to look back at lockdown, most of us would probably agree that there were a few positives. One was that for many of us, it inspired a desire to try new things – whether that was baking bread, trying a new sport, or learning a language. Another positive outcome of lockdown was that it showed us the incredible power that the internet has to bring people together.
We may not be in lockdown anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of what we learned during this period. So, if you like wine, why not learn more about it in a fun yet educational way, and try a virtual wine tasting event?
Here’s why you might want to consider signing up for our next session…
Why should I try virtual wine tasting?
If you love wine, it’s pretty obvious why you’d want to go to a wine tasting. Trying new wines, learning about the subtleties of flavour and the differences between new world wine versus old world wine is always going to be enjoyable. Plus, wine tasting is great for bringing people together, whether that’s friends, families, or colleagues.
The same applies to virtual wine tasting – but unlike in-person wine tasting, it allows you to connect with people all over the country. Over the past year and a half, many of us have started using platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams in both our personal and professional lives – so why shouldn’t we use these same platforms to connect with each other over some delicious wine?
At a virtual wine tasting, not only will you learn a huge amount about wine, but you’ll also create wonderful memories, and potentially make some new friends along the way too. All this, and you don’t even have to leave the comfort and security of your own home – something that’s still a powerful perk for many of us.
Wine tasting with Tomelier
Earlier this month we partnered with Tomelier to host ‘Oooh, try the wine’ – a virtual wine tasting event. Based in the midlands, Tomelier are specialists in bespoke wine tasting events, and if you want to learn about wine, you won’t find better hosts.
Tom and Matt are the ‘Wine Pilots of Tomelier’, and with a whole host of awards, diplomas and qualifications under their belt, their passion for wine is unmatched. Tom even left a career in the legal world to fulfil his dream of working with wine!
At our previous event with Tomelier, Tom shared his wine knowledge, taught attendees the ins and outs of all the gorgeous grapes, and did so in a way that was educational, entertaining, and relaxed. Combining the expertise and passion of Tomelier with our readers’ eagerness to know more about wine proved to be a winning formula – and the event was totally sold out!
The feedback from Rest Less members who attended was really positive, so much so that we’ve decided to schedule a series of events to introduce guests to wines for the darker, colder months, and festive celebrations. If you want to get involved, then keep checking our events page for updates.
If you’re thinking about signing up for a future wine tasting event, you might be wondering how a virtual wine tasting actually works, and what you should expect. So here’s an overview…
What can I expect from a virtual wine tasting?
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a link to attend the online tasting. Then, a few days before the event you’ll receive your wine! Six different wines will be sent to your home in pouches, ready to be savoured and rated. Each pouch has a resealable cap, so you don’t have to drink them all on the night; you can try a bit and then enjoy the rest of the pouch on another evening.
On the day of the tasting, you’ll log into the event at the allotted time, and will be guided through your 90-minute tasting session by your host.
The wines you’ll smell and taste are very varied, and after you’ve tried each one, you’ll be asked to give your feedback. As you sip each wine, Tom will guide you on how to evaluate each one, and help you identify the different notes and flavours. He’ll also teach you how to recognise the faults or issues some bottles of wine have.
The wines tasted at each event will be different, but to give you an idea – here’s an example of what was tasted at a previous event:
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Vernaccia di San Gimignano. A fresh, crisp white wine from the beautiful medieval hilltops of San Gimignano, Tuscany. The grapes are grown in volcanic soil which helps give them a lovely depth of flavour, with notes of citrus and an underlying mineral acidity. The lemony notes make this wine a perfect match for fish and seafood.
Larry Cherubino Folklore Chardonnay (Majestic) Sourced from vineyards in Margaret River and Frankland River, Australia, this is a mid-weight Chardonnay with notes of green apple, vanilla, lemon and peach, and a deliciously creamy finish. Coming from an award-winning winery, this is a great example of modern Australian winemaking.
Jurançon Doux (Lidl). This is a semi-sweet wine from the Southwest of France – and if you think you’re not a fan of sweeter wines, this is the bottle that might change your mind! The fresh citrus acidity stops the sweetness from being overbearing, and notes of pear and melon, with hints of herbs and mint, keep things fresh. An ideal wine for fruit desserts.
Dealuri Rosé (Aldi). Rosé isn’t just for summer, and when you find the right bottle – like Aldi’s Dealuri Rosé – you might want to drink it throughout the year. A classic blend of grapes gives a crispy, fresh mouth-feel, and the scent of strawberry and cranberry adds a rich, fruity aroma. With gentle notes of cherry and strawberry, this wine makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats and salad.
Buenas Vides Criolla (Aldi). Argentina’s Mendoza region has the perfect high altitudes to create a wine as delicious as this: soft, light and delicate on the palate, it’s also fruit forward and boasts aromas of cherry, raspberry, a little sour cherry, and a subtle kick of white pepper. The ideal red for lightly spiced dishes.
Finca Carelio Tempranillo (Majestic). Though this wine is a blend from Castilla and Ribera del Duero – where wines are generally super expensive – this is an incredible value wine that’s rich, ripe and beautifully smooth. Packed with notes of dark fruit and a subtle vanilla oak, it’s perfect with tapas.
There’ll be plenty of chances to ask questions and chat throughout the wine tasting, and if you have any wine questions at all – whether it’s about the winemaking process or about which food goes best with your favourite bottle – now is the time to ask!
After the tasting, an article will be written about the event containing all the information about the wines and the notes from the other attendees – so you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
Final thoughts...
Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, learn more about your favourite tipple, or simply try something new, virtual wine tasting is educational, inspirational and extremely enjoyable.
You’ll learn a huge amount during this tasting, from the basics of winemaking and to how geography and climate affect the finished product. Plus, the fun and informative virtual setting is a great way to connect with loved ones and potentially even make new friends. The chance to discover delicious new wines is just an added bonus – and you don’t even have to get a taxi home after!
Interested in joining a wine tasting event?
Have you attended a virtual wine tasting before? Or are you interested in attending our next event with Tomelier? We’d love to hear about your wine experiences! Leave us a comment below or join the conversation on the Rest Less community forum.