Drinking rules are different in this new normal. We don’t have to wait until happy hour to have a cocktail, alcoholic beverages get delivered to us now and knocking a few back by yourself is totally ok. Though if you want some company, there’s a way around that, too.
Virtual wine tastings are emerging across the city as an answer to people looking for a more interactive and educational drinking experience. They operate similarly to the litany of other online things available, meaning you watch on either on Instagram or Zoom, and most of them are free. Of course, like a real-life tasting, you’ll need to procure the vinos you’ll be sampling. Below is a list of local spots offering virtual tastings and info on how you can participate. Cheers! And don’t forget to use a mirror and look yourself in the eye when you toast to avoid bad luck.
For the curious learner: Vinya
This Miami-based virtual wine shop and subscription service focuses on the stories behind the bottles they sell. Whether you buy one of their curated boxes or a single bottle from their site, each vino selected by in-house sommelier Allegra Angelo comes with notecards you can use to learn about what you’re sipping. In the absence of their regular meet-ups, Angelo is now hosting virtual wine tastings online every Friday at 7:30pm via Vinya’s Instagram. She’ll post the bottle at the beginning of the week so that followers have plenty of time to get theirs shipped and follow along at home. Starting this Friday, a local food and drink expert will join Angelo for the session. Private tastings are also available via Zoom while Vinya Box subscribers receive a complimentary virtual tasting session and can invite their friends to join.
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For the Spanish speaker: Clementine’s Wine Gourmet
The Coral Gables wine shop, which offers local delivery and curbside pick-up on all of its bottles, launches virtual wine tastings next week. Join them on April 23 at 6pm as they sample three different wines from the award-winning Bodegas Garzon. To participate in the Spanish-language tasting, pick up all three varietals specially priced for $16.95 each at Clementine’s (305-877-2777), download Zoom and subscribe to their newsletter in order to receive a link for the meeting. Be sure to check the shop’s Instagram for the latest news and information on which bottles they’ll be sampling and ways to join.
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For the tropical drinker: Schnebly Redland’s Winery
The Homestead winery, known for its fruit-based and avocado wines, is making it easy for customers to host their own tastings at home. Just as they would sell varietals by the glass to try, they’re now offering boxes with everything you need to immerse yourself in in the experience. Plus, the added perk of having owner Peter Schnebly lead your tasting on Zoom. Choose from three different collections: Miami Luscious, featuring mostly sweet wines; Ocean Drive Dry with four drier options; and the Tropical Masterpiece that’s packed with the vineyard’s best-sellers. Each kit comes with four wines, two Schnebly glasses and a coupon for 20-percent of your next order. Collections are priced at $135 and shipping is free. Check Schnebly’s Instagram for the next virtual tasting date.
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For the boutique enthusiast: Abaco Wines & Wine Bar
With its chic Design District shop closed, Abaco’s winemaker and sommelier Ben Disea is hosting wine tastings virtually. They’re usually intimate experiences in-store so these one-hour guided samplings online shouldn’t feel too different. Call up the shop (603-978-5710) or email them to purchase a tasting box—which will run you $100 for a red, white and sparkling variety of wines with delivery—and set up a time to have Disea walk you through it.
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