Virtual Wine Tasting (How It Works, Best Events to Attend 2024)

Did you know that you can enjoy exclusive wine tastings with prestigious wineries without leaving the comfort of your home?

You can easily join any virtual wine tasting event, explore different wines and their winemaking, and take in awe-inspiring landscapes all through the internet.

Let’s look at why you should opt for a virtual wine tasting now and the wineries that offer the best virtual tasting options. We’ll also show you how to create your own wine tasting experience and how to invest in spectacular fine wine bottles to organize your tasting!

What Is A Virtual Wine Tasting?

A virtual wine tasting is an online guided tasting experience of a predetermined set of wine bottles. 

A virtual wine tasting is an online guided tasting experience of a predetermined set of wine bottles. 

Wineries, wine club organizations, wine retailers, and independent wine experts host such wine tastings. 

Since the wine tasting is done live but remotely, you’ll need your own wine bottles, unlike in real-life tastings where the host pours you a glass of each wine. 

Some virtual wine tasting packages include the cost and delivery of the selected wines. Others may require you to purchase the wines and other supplies ahead of the event.

Aside from getting to know more about the wine itself, you’ll also learn all about the winery, tasting room, vineyard, and food pairing through these guided tasting events. 

And, since the tasting is a virtual event, any number of people can join in from multiple locations irrespective of where the event happens.

Now sit back and relax as we go over some of the best virtual wine tasting events.

10 Best Virtual Wine Tasting Events to Attend (Including How To Book and Wine Recommendations)

Refer back to these sensational virtual wine tastings the next time you want to try something different:

1. Charles Krug, St. Helena, USA

Charles Krug Winery is located in St. Helena in Napa Valley wine country and is the one of the oldest in the region. 

Charles Krug winery produces a range of different wine styles, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, white wines like Chardonnay, dessert wines, and sparkling wines.

The winery has a selection of virtual wine tasting experiences that offer a deep dive into its history, wines, and food pairing options. 

Tasting experiences include the wine and can be customized starting from $99. Reserve your slot by contacting the winery via email or phone.

If you want to try Charles Krug wines, get hold of these:

• 1975 Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Burgundy Napa Valley, USA ($165)
• 1965 Charles Krug Peter Mondavi Family Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA ($611)

2. Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Portland, USA

The Domaine Drouhin winery in Oregon, Portland makes lovely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. 

The winery offers virtual wine tasting experiences via Zoom, with a wine expert guiding the session. 

The tasting experiences include:

• Introduction to the Drouhin Wines of Oregon: Includes two Chardonnay and four Pinot Noir wines
• The Drouhin Oregon AVA Experience: Features two Pinot Noir wines 
• 1880 to Today: The Drouhin Connection: Includes two Chardonnay and two Pinot Noir wines  

You can book a tasting experience on the website for $80 and upwards.

Tease your palate with these two wines:

• 2000 Domaine Drouhin Louise Drouhin Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, USA ($230)
• 2017 Domaine Drouhin Edition Limitee Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, USA ($131)

3. Château Cos d'Estournel, St. Estephe, USA

Chateau Cos d’Estournel is a beautiful winery in the St Estephe appellation of Bordeaux, next door to the famous Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. 

The winery produces five different red and white wines. The Grand Vin is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The Chateau has two virtual wine tasting experiences: 

• Tasting event #1: A virtual visit and a tasting of two red wines.
• Tasting event #2: A virtual visit and a horizontal tasting of three red wines. 

Prices range from $240 to $570+ and include the wines. To book, email the winery about your preferences.

Try these two glorious wines:

• 1865 Chateau Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estephe, France ($5,987)
• 2003 Chateau Cos d'Estournel Blanc Bordeaux, France ($343)

4. Bouchaine Vineyards, Napa Valley, USA

Bouchaine Vineyards is nestled in the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley and is the oldest winery operating in the area. 

This winery crafts wines primarily from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It also uses grape varietals like Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Syrah in their blends.   

The virtual wine tasting experience will take you through the charming Napa wine country and it’s exciting history as you try out their esteemed wines. 

The winery has a few 50-minute virtual wine tasting packages that range between $99 and $150 (wines included): 

• Winemaker Kit #1: Includes one Pinot Noir and one Chardonnay
• Winemaker Kit #2: Includes a Vin Gris, a Chardonnay, and a Pinot Noir
• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Includes a Rose and a Riesling with cheese
• Wine and Chocolate Pairing: Includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and chocolates
• The Wine Club Experience: Includes a bottle of Pinot Blanc, a Pinot Meunier, and a Vin Gris

And, if you want to buy Bouchaine Vineyards wines, try these:

• 1982 Bouchaine J.E. Luper Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA ($138)
• 2017 Bouchaine Bacchus Collection Gee Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros, USA ($88)

5. Stony Hill Vineyard, St. Helena, USA

Stony Hill Vineyard is tucked away south of the Bothe Napa Valley State Park, St. Helena. The winery makes some delightful Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines. 

Whet your palate with these private tasting sessions via Zoom: 

• Stony Hill Spectrum Tasting 
• Chardonnay Vintages Tasting
• Cabernet Comparison Tasting

A wine educator will host the session and explain the different wine styles and what’s new at the winery. Prices start at $124, and you need to buy the wines separately. 

To reserve your tasting, visit the Stony Hill Vineyard website. Stony Hill Vineyard also runs occasional Instagram Live wine tasting sessions, which are free to attend.

If you’re keen to try these wines, check out these:

• 2010 Stony Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA ($75)
• 2015 Stony Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Napa Valley, USA ($179)

6. Tres Sabores Winery, St. Helena, USA

This small organic-certified winery is in St Helena, Napa Valley. It offers varietal Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Verdot wines and single varietal Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. 

The Tres Sabores Winery has 60-minute wine tasting experiences via Zoom with a wine expert. 

With each package, you get to sample three different wines. They offer:

• BBQ Companions: Includes three red wines and a special spice rub
• It’s Hot Out: White Wine Sophisticates: Includes three white wines
• And, more.

You can add complimenting cheese and charcuterie boards to each tasting pack or even create your own personalized tasting package.   

The prices for these virtual experiences range from $100 to $210 and include the wines. Book a session by heading to the website.

If you’d like to sample the Tres Sabores wines, try these:

• 2018 Tres Sabores Rutherford Perspective Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA ($127)
• 2017 Tres Sabores Petite Sirah Napa Valley, USA ($50)

7. Jordan Vineyard and Winery, Alexander Valley, USA

This family-owned winery rests in the Alexander Valley appellation in Sonoma County. It produces two wines - Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. 

This Sonoma County winery has a small selection of wine tasting kits which include a complimentary private virtual tasting session:

• Cabernet & Chardonnay Virtual Tasting Kit: Two wines and chocolates
• Library Cabernet Virtual Tasting Kit: Two wines and salumi
• Virtual Tasting Wine Trio Kit: Three wines and cheese 

Prices range from $109 to $175, and you can book the tasting kits on their website.

And, if you’re looking to try their wines, check these out:

• 1981 Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, USA ($198)
• 2012 Jordan Winery Chardonnay Russian River Valley, USA ($38)

8. Matthiasson Winery, Oak Knoll District, USA

The Matthiasson Winery in Napa Valley produces refreshing white wines and a few red wines made with grapes like Refosco, Schioppettino, Ribolla Gialla, and Tocai Friulano. 

The winery owner Steve Matthiasson has received many awards including the title of ‘Winemaker of the Year 2014’ by the Food & Wine Magazine.

The winery offers a free guided virtual tasting when you buy their Summer 2021 Tasting Pack for $199, featuring four delicious wines. So head to their website to get this tasting package and experience a slice of this gorgeous wine country at home.

You can also check out these two wines:

• 2018 Matthiasson Phoenix Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA ($126)
• 2015 Matthiasson Napa Valley Red California, USA ($103)

10. Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette, USA

Ponzi Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries located in Willamette Valley, Oregon. It’s world-class wines were influential in putting Willamette Valley on the global wine map. 

The winery produces white and red wines with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. 

The winery offers 30- to 60-minute virtual group tastings hosted by a Ponzi wine ambassador who will take you through the wines, the winery, and vineyards. 

To book a virtual tasting, visit the winery website and fill out the questionnaire for a curated virtual tasting experience. 

Alternatively, try out a couple of their wines like:

• 2012 Ponzi Vineyards Amici Select Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, USA ($130)
• 2010 Ponzi Vineyards Avellana Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, USA ($162)

But, what are the advantages of a virtual wine tasting? 

Why Choose A Virtual Wine Tasting Over An In-Person Tasting

Here are a few reasons why you should opt for a virtual wine tasting experience:

1. It’s The Safest Option

While a trip to your favorite winery sounds divine, it’s not worth putting yourself and your loved ones at risk in the middle of a pandemic. 

Isn’t it safer to enjoy a virtual tasting event with a master sommelier from the comfort of your living room?

2. You’ll Educate Yourself Fast

A virtual wine tasting event is the fastest way to learn new facts about wines, winemakers, and wine regions. 

Most sessions are hosted by a winemaker, sommelier, or wine educator. So, you can shoot your questions and even take notes while seated in front of your laptop. 

Once the session is done, you can continue studying the wine’s flavors since you will likely have some leftover wine after the tasting.

3. Everyone Can Participate

One of the best parts about a virtual tasting event is that you can include friends or family irrespective of whether they live in New York, London, or Tokyo. A virtual wine experience is a great way to catch up, especially if you miss your weekly happy hour sessions with friends!

It’s also perfect for corporate events if you’re looking for remote networking or team-building options.

4. Travel The World Without Leaving Your Couch

Satisfy your wanderlust cheap and quick, without leaving home with a virtual tasting experience. 

But, what if you’d like to host your own virtual wine tasting session?

How To Organize A DIY Virtual Wine Tasting

If you want to organize your own virtual wine tasting experience, here are some essential tips:

1. Make Your Guest List And Fix A Date

Figure out who you’ll invite, so you’ll know what supplies (wine, food etc.) you’ll need to order. Then, set a date that works for everyone.   

2. Figure Out What Wines To Feature Or Use A Wine Tasting Kit

Based on your preferences, you could try wines from the same winery or region or mix and match wines from anywhere in the world. 

Alternatively, you can pick up a virtual wine tasting kit or even a blind tasting kit. However, keep in mind that blind tasting events are usually more suitable for people who already have a well-developed palate. 

3. Gather Supplies And Set The Theme

To make it more fun, you can also pick a specific theme (like a California wine country tasting.)

Aside from wine and wine glasses, you’ll need a good internet connection, a computer, and digital tools to take down tasting notes (which you can email to the rest of the group.) 

Prior to the tasting, you can send out recommendations for food and wine pairings like cheese and cured meat, so your guests can be prepared.

Don’t forget to pick an online platform (like Zoom or Skype) to host your virtual wine experience and send your guests the link. 

Now all you have to do is host your wine tasting experience! 

4. Get Online And Host The Tasting

Take your guests through the wine tasting notes and winery background. Be sure to keep the tasting event itself to one hour at the most, with approximately 10 minutes allocated per wine.

Now:

If you’d like to buy some of the wines from our recommendations, you could check online wine stores or even auctions.

And, if you’re keen to buy rare, investment-grade wines, while gaining access to a global wine network and wine tastings guided by master sommeliers, then Vinovest is your go-to place.  

There’s much more to it. Read on.

Build a Collection of Exquisite Fine Wines Through Vinovest

Vinovest is a wine investment company that lets you invest in fine wine bottles from the best wine brands in the world. 

Here are the benefits a wine lover gets once they sign up with Vinovest:

• With Vinovest’s online AI platform, buying and selling your wines is quick and easy.
• Vinovest’s pricing is unbeatable as they source their wine from the best winemakers in the industry.
• Vinovest has low annual fees ( 2.5% or 1.9% for portfolios over $50,000) which cover all these benefits and more!
• Vinovest’s world-class team of master sommeliers and data scientists will handpick the wines and put together your customized wine portfolio. They’ll make sure your wine is authentic by tracing its provenance. 
• Vinovest will store your bottles of wine in bonded warehouses under excellent conditions.
• Vinovest will deliver your wine to you, as a gift to your wine lover friends, or to a buyer no matter the location. 

And, the best part?

• Through Vinovest, you gain access to an extensive wine network, upcoming vineyards, private sales of wine companies, and limited releases of new wines. You can also join tastings with notable winemakers and Vinovest’s sommeliers.

“Wine” Down With A Virtual Wine Tasting

Through virtual wine tastings, wine lovers like you can indulge in your favorite wine bottles and tour wineries around the world - from your home desk. 

So, kick back, relax, and book a wine tasting for you and your loved ones. And, don’t forget to sign up with Vinovest to take care of all your wine investment needs!