Virtual Wine tasting

Now that we are practicing stay at home routines and social distancing there is only one way to do a safe tasting. Through Zoom and many other platforms we can connect to each other remotely. I have started doing virtual tastings and have enjoyed them, as long as everyone sips along with me. With a little bit of preparation a group can find wines that are part of the theme chosen, even if we may not have the exact same wine we can still taste and discuss what we have in the glass. In this case our theme was South African wines. 

Chenin Blanc was one of the types of wines I suggested everyone should try. The group was pleasantly surprised with it. Most had not had a Chenin before this but said they would buy it again. A couple that shopped at the same store as I used was able to get the exact same wine as I did. Thanks Kevin at Kindred Spirits in Shelton! That was the only wine that more than one of us had. The groups' Chenins shared some of the same qualities as the Secateurs so it was easy to see a common thread.  

The Sauvignon Blancs were also enjoyable. Somewhere between a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and a New Zealand version. They had a similar characteristics but not an overwhelming grapefruit component.  One couple tracked down the Southern Right Pinotage that I have yet to find but want to try. They specialize in just Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage. 

More of the wines that were included. These were available in Santa Monica. The Cabernets and Cab blends were very well received. 

The Stark Condé was the same bottling as the one from Santa Monica but a 2 year vintage difference. 


We all had a great time and I'll have to say that even when my part was done I stayed on for a while to chat. I enjoyed meeting such a warm and friendly family. They made it easy for me. Thanks to Eileen and Maura for including me in the event which was done for a recently married couple that was not able to take a honeymoon in South Africa due to the the current conditions. Cheers!