Proeven op Twitter. Daar zijn onder wijnliefhebbers de eerste initiatieven al enkele maanden geleden voor genomen. Niet omdat polderlanders zo creatief en origineel zijn, maar omdat ze de kunst van Big Brother USA hadden afgekeken. In het begin verliep alles nogal schutterig. Sommige proevers zaten met een fles voor zich en hadden er geen benul van hoe het verloop van de proeverij zou zijn. Maar wie, pak weg, zes verschillende Viogniers in een twitter-proeverij wil brengen en bediscussiëren weet dat je er met één fles voor je neus achter je scherm niet komt. Zo’n valse start maakte ook collega Brandon Walsh, die zijn ervaringen prijs gaf op Wine Examiner.com. Hij is nu helemaal door de wol geverfd en heeft er zelfs een lijstje met voor- en nadelen aan overgehouden. Hier volgen zijn bevindingen:

‘What the heck is a virtual wine tasting?

Recently I received a Facebook invite to attend a virtual wine tasting of Virginia viognier. Having never attended a "virtual" wine tasting, I had no idea what to expect….or what to do! I read through the invite directions carefully, purchased a bottle of Virginia viognier and patiently waited in front of my computer while logged into my Twitter account (#hostedwinetast). The tasting called for 6 different bottles of viognier from varying Virginia wineries. One wine was tasted every 20 minutes resulting in a 2 hour virtual wine tasting event.

My overall experience was disappointing as I hadn’t planned properly. As I sat there for 2 hours reading the tweets, I was only truly engaged for 20 minutes when the bottle I purchased was being discussed. Thus based on my experience, a successful virtual wine tasting requires that you make it a social affair for a few reasons:

Cost: Tasting 6 different bottles of wine requires the purchase of 6 bottles. Spread the cost of the wines amongst your friends.
Consumption: One person cannot consume 6 bottles of wine in 2 hours. If they can their organ donor card is worthless.
Social Interaction: Reading tweets is fine but there is something to be said for discussing a wine with friends

What are some benefits of a virtual wine tasting versus the traditional method?

No tasting fees. Unlike going to the winery for a wine tasting where there is often a tasting fee, in this scenario you avoid such fees.
Wider range of wines. When attending a wine tasting at a winery, you are subject to tasting only their wines. Virtual wine tastings allow for a combination of any wines from any winery.
Increased comfort. While tasting at home, you can sit and taste in your favorite recliner with your feet up versus standing or leaning against a tasting room bar.
No drinking and driving! Assuming you are home, tasting and drinking wine without the fear of having to operate a vehicle is relaxing.

Here’s the best part: You don’t have to limit your group of friends to people physically in attendance. One of my best friends lives in Michigan and another in California. Open up a conference bridge or setup a separate chat room. You can now do a wine tasting with friends anywhere!’