Given the current climate, we're finding there's a host of virtual events for just about everything these days. Who knew it would be so easy to take part in an online cocktail-making class or home workout with no equipment? We've even got our very own Virtual Boat Show in full swing for superyacht news, interviews and industry insights.
One particularly exciting field of virtual activity is the growth in wine tasting classes. You can now journey around the world, tasting and learning about fine wines without having to leave your home. The wine industry is one that had been badly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, despite the number of wine delivery services that have cropped up. These classes serve as a great support in raising awareness and providing funding where needed. So, enjoy our pick of the best virtual tastings to take part in!
Chateau de Pommard
Experience some of Burgundy's greatest appellations with one of Chateau de Pommard's remote tasting sessions. Opt for either La Route des Grand Crus where winemakers will take you on a virtual whistle stop tour of Burgundy's revered vineyards, or, alternatively, discover Burgundy's largest monopole, Clos Marey-Monge. Participants can take comfort in the knowledge that 15% of each ticket is put toward the Fondation des Hôpitaux de France during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prices start at £162 for La Route des Grand Cru and £286 for the Clos Marey-Monge classes.
Enquire nowOpus One
We know Opus One is highly sought after and hard to come by, so this esteemed winery is hosting virtual sessions both with wine and without. For an educational insight into the winery, its history and the secrets behind its wine making, participants can expect an hour-long class on a date and time that suits them best.
Classes without wine it will cost $25, and for those looking to taste along, a selection of vintages can be purchased directly from the winery including the 2016, 2016, 2012 and 2007, prices ranging from $365- $490). They are also offering tastings of their Overture for $130
Enquire NowClos19
Take part in one of the Clos19 virtual tastings whenever suits you best. You can order the wines from their website and taste along one of their pre-recorded wines whenever suits you best. This one is a great date night idea for something interactive and informative.
Enquire NowVérité
Exclusive to Boat International readers, Vérité is offering private Zoom tastings with Dimitri Mesnard MS, Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe and International Wine Ambassador for Jackson Family Wines. This is a great opportunity to have a one-to-one lesson on an exceptional range of Sonoma County wines, suitable for both connoisseur and amateurs alike.
Participants can purchase a pack of three Vérité wines from Hedonism for £1,020 and then email orders@hedonism.co.uk quoting 'Boat International Vérité 2014'
Enquire NowBolney Wine Estate
This award-winning Sussex wine estate is offering a host of different virtual tasting to take part in, so there's easily something for everyone to enjoy. These are private tastings for groups of five or more and aim to educate customers in a fun and interactive way. Each class will cover a bit about the wines and the winery, teach you the best practice of wine tasting and finish with a quiz to see who's taken it all in!
There are three packages available, starting at £53.
Enquire NowStony Hill
Offering three packs to pre-order, Stony Hill is giving customers a comprehensive representation of their vineyard by covering all bases in three divided packages over a number of classes in the coming weeks. Packages start at $124 and each class is 45 minutes.
If you're looking for something more relaxed, Stony Hill is also offering 'social hour' over on the Instagram channel every Tuesday evening.
enquire now67 Pall Mall
A selection of Kent's most exciting wine makers will be hosting a panel with 67 Pall Mall to talk about the dynamism of Kent as a wine region and how they that have helped spearhead the movement behind English wine.
This panel will consist of representatives from Balfour Hush Heath Estate, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Simpsons Wine Estate, Squerryes and Domaine Evremond.
To taste alongside the panelist and learn as you go, boxes of four wines can be pre-ordered via 67 Pall Mall for £126.
shop now