CAVE Virtual Wine Experience
The Colorado Association for Viticulture and Enology (CAVE), a non-profit, member-based organization, is holding virtual wine events in place of traditional in-person wine tours as a response to COVID-19. These events take place via Zoom and tickets are available for purchase on their website.
“We kinda put these series of virtual events together as an answer and a pivot to unfortunately having to cancel Mountain Wine Fest this September, and our response to COVID-19,”says executive director Cassidee Shull.
The first event took place on July 30, 2020, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It was titled “Two Wines | Two Regions | Two Stories.”
“It featured Jayme Henderson and Steve Steese from The Storm Cellar and Corey Norsworthy with Plum Creek Cellars, and each of them tasted through their chardonnay and riesling,” Shull says.
Shull explains that this event was set up to educate attendees about how two different wines are produced differently between varying regions in Colorado.
“This was my first virtual wine event. This event was very professionally presented yet felt comfortable and not intimidating. It certainly exceeded my expectations,” shares Jen Mendenhall, an attendee from the premier virtual tasting. “I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The speakers were all knowledgeable and excited to share their craft. I felt the event was very well organized and started on time.”
“Attendees were able to purchase those online tickets and if they were interested, we partnered with Fisher’s Liquor Barn here in the Grand Valley and then Argonaut Wine & Liquor on the Front Range,” Shull explains. “They kind of pre-packed their shopping chart so it made it really simple for folks on either side of the divide to just have one-stop-shopping.”
“Sampling and comparing the different wines in the comfort of my kitchen was so fun,” Mendenhall exclaims.
The event was moderated by two CAVE board members, Peter Borup and Simone FM Spinner.
“They have an extensive background in the wine world, everything wine,” says Shull. “We are very lucky to have them serve on the CAVE board.”
Along with sharing a bit of their own backgrounds, the moderators also shared information about the history of Colorado wine making from production to sales.
“To me, this experience was more personal than a traditional wine tasting,” says Mendenhall. “I was able to ask questions and each speaker had time to explain their expertise. A typical situation is usually a busy situation, with lots of people and not much time to ask questions.”
“I truly enjoyed the virtual wine tasting and can't wait for more,” she adds. "Thank you CAVE!”
CAVE’s upcoming virtual events include Award Winning Wines with Sutcliffe Vineyards, which is being held on August 13, 2020 starting 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. MST. Also, on August 23, 2020, they will be hosting a Virtual Wine & Glass Tasting Experience from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. MST.
Photo courtesy of Plum Creek Cellars.