Zoom wine tastings give friends and families the chance to enjoy a socially distanced drink

A South Tyneside wine specialist has proved a hit with her Zoom tasting sessions.
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Pre-Covid, Leah Newman, who runs Whispering Wine, ran private wine tasting sessions for parties, events and corporate clients.

But with lockdown grinding the hospitality and events industry to a halt, like all involved in that sector, she had to adapt her business within restrictions.

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The businesswoman, who lives in East Boldon, used her connections with wine makers and importers to create Zoom wine tasting sessions – and they’ve proved a hit with hundreds of people so far logging in and drinking up.

Leah Newman has been hosting Zoom wine tastings during lockdownLeah Newman has been hosting Zoom wine tastings during lockdown
Leah Newman has been hosting Zoom wine tastings during lockdown

Ahead of the fortnightly sessions, Leah delivers the wines to homes across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle, or posts if further afield. Glass in hand, the participants can then log in at the designated time to sample the wines and spirits while talking to the wine makers and distillers at their homes or wineries in far-flung locations such as South Africa, the Champagne region of France, Brazil and Austria.

Families from different households who can’t meet up have also been booking private sessions with Leah so they can all enjoy a socially-distanced glass of wine together.

Leah explained: “I started doing it in April when we were in the strictest lockdown. Everyone was stuck at home and the demand was so high that I did them every Saturday for 10 weeks. It was a balancing act because lockdown had a knock-on effect on suppliers who weren’t receiving their usual large orders from restaurants, but I work with so many importers I was still able to get the bottles I needed.

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"As pubs and restaurants reopened, I cut the sessions back but things have really picked up again so I’m doing them fortnightly at the minute.

The Zoom sessions feature wines you won't find on supermarket shelvesThe Zoom sessions feature wines you won't find on supermarket shelves
The Zoom sessions feature wines you won't find on supermarket shelves

"It’s actually added a whole new dimension, because people can speak to the wine makers direct, instead of just tasting the wine at an event. Lockdown has certainly changed the face of what I do, but it’s actually evolved into something really interesting.”

Leah works with importers providing wines you won’t find on supermarket shelves.

"I like to introduce people to wines they haven’t tried before,” explained Leah. “And it’s really fascinating to meet the people behind the wines and hear their stories. I’m a big fan of people and families who make wine in a sustainable way and, if they grow the grapes, how they became an expert in that.

Leah hosting a Zoom wine tasting sessionLeah hosting a Zoom wine tasting session
Leah hosting a Zoom wine tasting session
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"Usually we all just pick a bottle of wine off the shelf without knowing the process or story behind it. But it’s not just a bottle with a label on it: there’s blood, sweat and tears that’s gone into it.”

Leah, who also specialises in curating cases of wine, said: “The feedback has been great and often people get in contact afterwards to order the wines or cases.”

*Whispering Wine zoom wine tastings cost between £28-£35, depending on that week’s wines, and usually includes two bottles of wine or one bottle if it’s a premium product. You can book through Leah’s Instagram @leah_newman_wine or search “Whispering Wine” on Facebook. The wine is delivered locally for free ahead of the session.

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