Wine
Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Wine Tastings
October 9, 2025
Virtual wine tastings are one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to dive deeper into the world of wine. Bringing expert-led experiences directly into your home is a great way to connect with sommeliers, discover new bottles, and share memorable moments with friends and colleagues, all without leaving the comfort of your own living room.
As we move through 2025, virtual tastings continue to evolve with improved technology and more sophisticated wine delivery systems. Whether planning a casual evening with friends or organizing a professional team-building event, here’s everything you need to know about hosting / attending your next virtual wine tasting.
The Why Behind Virtual Tastings
So why choose a virtual tasting over an in-person event? Hugo Arias Sanchez, Sommelier at Sommsation, notes that the beauty of virtual tastings lies in their convenience and convivial nature. “Not everyone lives close to wine country or has the opportunity to travel, so attending / hosting a virtual tasting is the best option to get a large group together to learn about wine in a comfortable environment,” he says.
Equally, Arias notes that virtual tastings are also great gifts, as well as a means to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. “You can always find something fun to drink while learning about it and improving your wine knowledge,” he says. In terms of planning, platforms like Sommsation offer a variety of pre-chosen topics, as well as provide the opportunity to curate your own theme in conjunction with our expert team.
Explore Virtual Wine Tastings with Sommsation
The Ideal Structure of a Virtual Tasting
A well-paced virtual wine tasting typically runs 60-90 minutes, striking the perfect balance between thorough exploration and maintaining attention. Most virtual tastings begin with a welcome period, followed by an introduction to the theme featuring information on the region, producer(s), and vineyards featured. At Sommsation, this portion is then followed by an in-depth tasting component, which is guided by an expert sommelier.
Post-tasting, Arias Sanchez highlights the importance of allowing for a 15 to 20 minute time period for questions and chatting. “The idea is to make the entire event conversational and interactive,” he says. For those looking to join in on pre-organized virtual tastings, Sommsation offers a variety of options throughout the month, including Thursday Tastings, Saturday Sessions, and Sunday School. “The various dates feature different producers, so there isn’t repetition amongst wines,” Arias Sanchez affirms.
Tips for a Flawless At-Home Set Up
When you are setting up everything at home to be part of a virtual tasting there are a few steps to take to ensure the best experience possible. First, ensure that your internet connection can handle high-quality video streaming—a minimum of 25 Mbps upload speed generally prevents lags and screen freezing. Additionally, position your camera at eye level with good lighting facing you, not behind you, to ensure that the host and participants can clearly see you.
Aries Sanchez notes that making sure that all wines are brought to ideal temperature is key, and that having multiple glasses on hand will allow for seamless side-by-side tasting. Additionally, hydration is key. “As much as we love wine, water is very important to have on hand!” Arias Sanchez explains. Lastly, for those who like to take notes, make sure to have a pen and paper nearby to jot down thoughts and anecdotes.
Explore Virtual Wine Tastings with Sommsation
Wine Selection and Tasting Kits
The heart of any virtual wine tasting lies in the careful selection of bottles that tell a story and create a journey. If hosting an experience for your team or loved ones, select a theme that will resonate with a broad audience, such as an exploration of emerging natural wine producers, or a comparison of Old World versus New World Pinot Noirs. When planning the event date, ensure that all wine deliveries / tasting kits are scheduled to arrive at participants' homes 2-3 days before the event. To elevate your setup, throw in a few palate cleansers, such as water crackers or breadsticks, and pull up an aroma / flavor wheel online to broaden your vocabulary.
Post-Event Follow-Up and Continued Engagement
Above all, a great virtual wine tasting experience extends far beyond the event itself. Consider establishing a post-event discussion group chat or social media group where everyone can share photos of their set up, ask follow-up questions, and maintain the community connections formed during the tasting. These ongoing touchpoints transform a single event into a continuous journey of wine discovery.
Still looking to feed your wine curiosity? Arias Sanchez notes that the best way to keep the momentum going is to contact your sommelier to chat about other wines that you may enjoy, as well as book another tasting to continue to explore new producers and regions. “When you book a second or third tasting, always make sure to invite new people to join you,” he suggests, emphasizing that virtual tastings are a great way to connect—which is of course, one of the best parts of wine.
Ready to elevate your next virtual gathering? Book a personalized wine tasting experience or explore curated wine selections with Sommsation, where our expert team can assist in creating an unforgettable wine journey tailored to your unique preferences and occasion.
