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For lockdown 2.0, we know what we’re getting into, so pre-empt those pangs for a good glass of wine and a chat by ordering some great bottles, or even learn something with a wine tasting in the comfort of your own home.
With the news that Ireland is set to go into a stricter lockdown came the realisation that it’s going to feel a little different this time round. Back in March, we were coming into the first weeks of spring, the days were warming, and few of us really realised how long the whole thing would last.
People are notably more apprehensive facing the same prospect of staying at home, as this time winter is looming: the evenings are darkening by the day, and that nip in the air means we’re not going to be spending as much time outside.
This is normal for this time of year, except usually we compensate by going out for dinner, meeting friends for a drink or having people over – we congregate inside, the very thing we can’t do. While last time we may have worked out the most drinkable bottle in our local Spar, this time we’re upgrading.
We’re planning on ordering a delivery of gorgeous wines, and maybe even signing up to a virtual wine tasting. Whether it’s a treat for yourself or you do it with your friends or partner, it’s the lockdown equivalent of a night out together. Here are some of the Irish wine delivery and tasting services we want to try.
Specialising in Low Intervention wines – winemakers, vineyards and producers that practice sustainable agriculture and make minimal additions, Natty Wine have a selection of wines that you won’t find in your local off-licence.
They constantly rotate their selection so there’s always something new to try, and deliver to anywhere in Ireland. At the moment they have a ‘Bobinet Blaster’ selection, €82, which is an autumnal selection from the Domaine Bobinet winery in the Loire region of France.
Featuring a citrusy white, a fruity rosé and a flavourful red, it has something for every mood, but there are also plenty of other selections to choose from, whether you’re a lover of white or want an all-organic pick. You can also create your own mix by selecting individual bottles.
For those in the area, you can order a bottle from Baggot Street Wines on Deliveroo, so you don’t even have to plan ahead to get a great wine delivered to your door.
The company themselves deliver to the rest of the country, and they have a great selection, with their handy search filters making it easy to find something that suits both your tastes and budget.
If you hate choosing wine, why not go for a case from Wine Online? They have a huge range of cases of either six or 12 different bottles, so whether you love Albariño or are a fan of anything French, there’s a case that will be exactly what you’re looking for.
For an informal wine tasting experience from your own home, @brideys_wine_chats is a must-follow. Wine lover Brigid O’Hara shares honest, accessible and informal reviews of wine on her account, as well as food pairing ideas.
Not only will she give you inspiration of what to buy, watching her videos, you come away feeling like you understand wine even just a little more, helping you choose what you like with more confidence.
Anna Hickson runs wine tastings, and now offers them as a virtual experience. A great one to do with family or friends you can’t visit, it’s a way to experience something together, and have a bit of fun while apart. You might even find a new favourite wine to drink together when you are able to meet up again.
Also offering virtual wine tastings, A Wine Idea will also send you the wines that you’ll be tasting, so all you have to do is join a Zoom call and pop a cork. The tasting lasts 2 hours, and is priced per household, so there’s no extra cost whether you do it alone, or with a partner or housemate. You can choose from Wines of France, €60, or Wines of Spain, €55.
Featured image: Natty Wine
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