Here is our guide to virtual wine tasting.
We put this guide together after running thousands of successful virtual team building activities and connecting remote teams in all industries for over a decade!
Virtual wine tasting is an engaging activity where teams gather remotely to explore various wines guided by an expert sommelier. Participants learn about different wine regions, grape varieties, and tasting techniques while bonding over shared experiences. Hosting a virtual wine tasting with your team fosters camaraderie, encourages communication, and provides a unique opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment.
Ideal group size:
6 to 12 participants
Activity duration:
60 to 90 minutes
Cost:
$30 to $100 per participant
What you’ll need:
- Selection of wines (can be shipped to participants)
- Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
- A knowledgeable sommelier or wine expert to guide the tasting
- Tasting notes or information about the selected wines (digital format)
- Wine glasses for participants
- Cheese, crackers, or other palate cleansers and snacks to accompany the tasting
How to do it:
Step 1: Choose your wines
Before the tasting, select a variety of wines to taste, considering participants’ preferences and dietary restrictions. You should aim for diversity in types and regions to offer a well-rounded experience.
Step 2: Schedule the event
Next, set a date and time for the virtual wine tasting, ensuring it fits with each individual’s schedule. Consider time zones if your team is spread across different regions.
Step 3: Send out invitations
You can provide clear instructions on how to join the virtual wine tasting, including the video conferencing link and any additional materials needed. Participants should RSVP to ensure adequate preparation.
Step 4: Prepare the tasting materials
After setting up the event, arrange for the delivery of wine samples to participants’ locations ahead of the event. You can include any accompanying materials, such as tasting notes, food pairings, and instructions for setup.
Step 5: Set up the virtual tasting room
For the virtual event, create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. You can test the video conferencing software and ensure each individual can access the meeting link and necessary materials.
Step 6: Introduce the wines and sommelier
During the event, start by introducing the selected wines and the sommelier or wine expert who will be guiding the tasting. You can provide background information on each wine and encourage participants to ask questions.
Step 7: Guide the tasting experience
Then, lead participants through each wine, discussing its characteristics, flavor profiles, and proper tasting techniques. Be sure to encourage open discussion and sharing of impressions among team members.
Step 8: Facilitate discussion and interaction
Further, foster a collaborative atmosphere by prompting participants to share their thoughts and preferences for each wine. Breakout rooms or interactive polls can encourage engagement and interaction.
Step 9: Encourage reflection and feedback
At the end of the tasting, invite participants to reflect on their experience and provide feedback. Participants should share their favorite wines and any insights gained from the tasting.
Examples of games or activities:
1. Wine Trivia Quiz
- Prepare a set of wine-related trivia questions covering topics like grape varieties, regions, and production methods.
- Host a virtual quiz session where participants answer the questions individually or in teams.
- Keep track of scores and announce the winner or winning team at the end.
- To enhance engagement, incorporate multimedia elements like images or videos related to the questions.
2. Virtual Vineyard Tour
- Arrange for a virtual tour of a vineyard or winery led by a knowledgeable guide.
- Participants explore different vineyard areas, learn about grape cultivation, and see the winemaking process.
- Encourage interactive discussions and questions during the tour to enhance engagement.
- Consider pairing the tour with tasting samples from the featured vineyard for a more immersive experience.
3. Label Design Challenge
- Provide participants with blank wine bottle labels and art supplies or digital design tools.
- Task them with creating unique label designs for a fictional wine brand.
- Set a time limit for designing and encourage creativity and originality.
- Participants present their designs and explain the inspiration behind them.
- This activity taps into participants’ creativity and fosters teamwork and collaboration as they share and discuss their designs.
4. Wine & Food Pairing Cook-off
- Assign each participant or team a specific wine variety or style.
- Participants then prepare a dish that pairs well with their assigned wine.
- During the virtual event, participants present their dishes and explain their pairing choices.
- Encourage tasting and discussion of how the flavors of the food complement the characteristics of the wine.
Tips:
- Ensure each individual has the same wine: To create a cohesive tasting experience, distribute identical wine samples to all participants.
- Provide tasting notes: Include detailed information about each wine to guide participants through the tasting process and enhance their understanding.
- Encourage interactive discussions: Foster engagement by prompting participants to share their thoughts, preferences, and tasting experiences with the group.
- Utilize breakout rooms: Divide larger groups into smaller sessions for more intimate discussions and interactions during the tasting.
- Offer palate cleansers: Provide water, crackers, or plain bread to cleanse participants’ palates between wine tastings, allowing them to fully appreciate each wine’s flavors.
- Set a relaxed atmosphere: Create a comfortable and inviting virtual space for the tasting, minimizing distractions and encouraging participants to unwind and enjoy the experience.
- Follow up with resources: After the tasting, send participants additional resources such as wine recommendations, articles, or educational videos to further their wine knowledge and exploration.
Final Thoughts
Virtual wine tasting offers a delightful blend of camaraderie, education, and enjoyment for remote teams. By providing a platform for shared experiences and meaningful interactions, these events strengthen team bonds and deepen participants’ appreciation for wine. These gatherings facilitate genuine connections and foster a sense of community among remote teams.
Want more ideas? Check out our post on happy hour games and ideas.
