Virtual Wine Tastings Feature Some Of B.C.’s Best Bottles

Fancy yourself quite the oenophile? Or a self-described newbie to wine but nothing if not enthusiastic?

Now we can enjoy expert-guided tastings safely at home, hosted by some of B.C.’s finest wineries. The Iconic Wineries of British Columbia (IWBC) collective, consisting of Mission Hill Family Estate, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Martin’s Lane Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery, Road 13 Vineyards and Liquidity Wines, has created 12 virtual tastings online. Choose from seasonal and themed collections, like Mission Hill’s The Winemaker’s Craft or CedarCreek’s Purely Platinum, or do a deep dive into Pinot Noirs, Burgundian-style Chardonnays … you get the picture. Here’s how to host your own tasting, for yourself and others that do not live in your household, anywhere in Canada, via Zoom.

First, choose online from one or more of the exclusive tasting collections, plus optional themed add-ons like artisan cheeses, chocolates and chef demos. Then, provide a list of shipping addresses. Your orders will be couriered directly to each participant’s door. Set up your Zoom virtual tasting date and time, learn and sip!

IWBC virtual tastings are a great way to keep connected with your friends or family, especially if you want to throw a distanced special-occasion celebration with other wine lovers. You and guests will be personally guided through each wine, along with an informative and engaging visual presentation. —Catherine Dunwoody