Online wine tastings put to the test: This is how the virtual experience works

Real events have hardly been taking place for months. For this reason, many companies now also offer their events online: from city tours and meditation exercises to cheese, beer or gin tastings, there is a wide range of virtual courses. In order to experience such a digital event for ourselves, we tested a wine tasting by Jochen Schweizer. Like our star-Employee experienced the online event at home? Read for yourself:

You may be wondering why I chose a wine tasting of all things? The answer is very simple: Because I like to drink wine (probably more during Corona times than before) and want to try new varieties – usually with friends, at wine fairs or festivals. However, this is no longer possible, so I meet my girls almost every week for a digital video snack and we have already had a drink or two together. This gave rise to the idea of ​​simply testing wine online, in this case even six different bottles with different contents.

Preparation: These are the first steps

The website of the organizer states that the virtual experience is equally suitable for newcomers to wine as it is for connoisseurs. I would definitely count myself among the latter. And since I imagine that I have acquired a solid basic knowledge of types of wine in recent years, the online event piqued my curiosity. But back to the process: To book the online wine tasting, I first have to select an appointment – even if you basically have four weeks to access the video at any time and several times in a row – and save my contact details including my private address for shipping . You will then receive a booking confirmation containing both information about the organizer (in my case it was Feser winery from Ockenheim) as well as the order details. This shows that I would only get access to a password-protected portal in which the video is stored when the wine was delivered.

Delivery: These wines are available

After just a few days I receive my wine delivery: A total of six bottles (0.75 liters each) are sent to me by the winery for the virtual experience:

The package contains a detailed description of how and where I can access the video that has already been recorded online, as well as a wine list with information about all the varieties of the winery (including those recently delivered to me). In addition, I am informed in the attached letter that I have to cool the secco, white wines and rosé one day before tasting – I should open the red wine one hour before tasting so that it can “breathe”. To neutralize between each “course”, I am advised to set aside a large glass of water and some bread when I begin the test.

Test: This is how the online wine tasting works

After I have started the 35-minute video, I am given a warm welcome by Simon Feser (son of the owner of the Feser winery). The state-certified technician for viticulture and oenology is responsible for both the outdoor operation and the expansion of the wines. At the beginning of the tasting, he briefly introduces the family business and explains clearly what is most important in a wine tasting: the color, the smell and, of course, the taste. Shortly afterwards, the Chardonnay is displayed so that I know which wine we’re starting with (how exciting!):

Chardonnay: First, Simon explains the difference between a secco and a sparkling wine, which I actually didn’t know before. Then I can already take the first sip. Although the Chardonnay smells slightly fruity, it tastes very dry – but in a pleasant way. And the carbon dioxide is also very restrained, so that you can drink the Secco well. Maybe that’s why I poured myself another (generous) sip.

So that there is still enough time to enjoy, pictures of the winery and music are played in between each course.

Riesling: Mr. Feser describes the Riesling as the “queen of German white wines”, which – according to the wine list – contains aromas of fresh apples, juicy peaches, crispy pears and a hint of passion fruit. Admittedly, I couldn’t taste all the types of fruit in detail by far, but a fruity acidity that tickled the tongue slightly. Well, you already know what I mean. That is certainly also the reason why I found the interplay of the flavors particularly delicious. You can’t really go wrong with Riesling.

White Burgundy: According to Simon, this is a particularly light wine (based on Burgundy) – ideal for the garden or balcony. With this variety, too, the aroma is supposed to be reminiscent of fruits such as apricots and pears, although only a real sommelier can probably taste it in such detail. I still think that the White Burgundy tastes very light, subtle and fresh and is therefore very suitable for a mild summer evening. You also like to drink a second bottle of. You should share with good friends.

Scheurebe: With this wine I literally smelled the sweetness before the first sip. According to Mr. Feser, the variety contains twice as much residual sugar, which is exactly what makes the Scheurebe taste very sweet – for me personally much too sweet. Which does not mean that the wine is not delicious, on the contrary: I can well imagine that the fruity and aromatic (blackcurrant-shaped) grape juice goes well with hearty cheese. And I like cheese too.

Bl. Pinot Noir Rosé: Typical of a rosé is not only its color, but also its berry aroma. Slightly chilled, it is one of the favorite wines of many people (including mine) – especially in summer. The fruity-tart taste, paired with a slight acidity that tickles the tongue, can also convince me of this variety (or is that the fifth wine that speaks to me?). I also find it particularly good that an explanation of the production is included in the video.

Dornfelder: Before I can test the red wine, there is a short and clear explanation from the wine cellar about red wine making. Afterwards I am supposed to take a sip from the Dornfelder, which Simon describes as the “German answer to southern red wines”. What immediately catches my eye is the dark color of the wine. The aroma, inspired by the (sour) cherry, provides a strong, fruity and slightly sour note – unfortunately a bit too sour for me. But I also prefer to drink very heavy and dry red wines from Spain or France, I have to admit.

One more note at the end: For the Online wine tastings two requirements must be met – a minimum age of 18 years and a stable WiFi connection via laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Conclusion: Was the event convincing?

Since the online wine tasting is an already recorded video, I was able to determine the drinking speed myself. So – theoretically – I could have spread the tasting over several days. This is certainly a great advantage if you don’t want to eat six different varieties in one day. Which was not difficult for me personally, but also ensured a good swipe, as I found out after the sixth glass. It’s not like having big plans for the next day. Another plus point is that I could have shared the virtual experience with another person (for example a friend), provided the meeting was Corona-compliant.

Nevertheless, I thought it was a shame that – in this case – it wasn’t a live event. I would have loved to talk shop with the sommelier or other participants about the different varieties. Although it was perhaps better that way, since no one could talk me into their lay knowledge. Due to the current contact restrictions, I certainly missed the feeling of sociability, to do something “normal” with friends. Ultimately, it just remains an online event that provides a bit of variety (and cheerfulness) at home.

As for the wines themselves, I found all of them very high quality and tasty – even if the Scheurebe was too sweet and the Dornfelder too sour for me. In the end, however, that is always a question of personal taste.

If you are now in the mood for a virtual event (or want to give one away): In the meantime, different providers offer different events, for example too virtual wine tours or Wine and chocolate tastings.

Source: Jochen Schweizer

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