Warm, Wintery Robust Reds: Our Next Virtual Wine Tasting Experience
- craig zabransky
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Warm, Wintery, Robust Reds: A Virtual Wine Tasting to Savor the Season
The holidays are joyful—but let’s be honest, they can also be a bit exhausting. Once the decorations come down and the calendar turns, there’s something deeply satisfying about slowing the pace, pouring a generous glass of red, and reconnecting with good wine and good company. That’s exactly the spirit behind our next Stay Luxurious Virtual Wine Tasting.
Join me on Saturday, January 10th at 5:00 PM ET for an evening dedicated to warm, wintery, robust red wines—bold bottles designed for cozy nights, thoughtful conversation, and lingering finishes. This tasting is set for Saturday to make it even easier for everyone to join.
This event marks my 13th hosted virtual wine tasting, and each one continues to prove that great wine experiences don’t always require physical travel—just curiosity, a few well-chosen bottles, and a shared table (even if it’s virtual). Whether you’re gifting the experience to someone else or treating yourself, this tasting is the perfect way to begin the new year with intention and indulgence.
The Wine Journey: Old World Depth with a New World Surprise
For this tasting, I’ve curated a distinctive lineup of five bold red wines, chosen specifically to move beyond the usual suspects. While we’ll visit classic wine regions, expect grapes and styles that may feel refreshingly unfamiliar. Our journey focuses primarily on Europe, with two stops in Spain, including a wine connected to our Stay Luxurious Wine Journey, returning in Fall 2026, one selection from France, and one from Italy. These are three of the world’s most iconic wine destinations—but not necessarily with the grapes you expect. Part of the fun is the discovery, and I promise a few surprises along the way.
For our fifth wine, we’ll venture into the New World, traveling to South Africa—a country whose ancient soils and expressive wines continue to impress. It’s a place I had the pleasure of visiting during the 2010 World Cup, and one that consistently delivers depth, value, and character in the glass.
Come ready to learn, taste, and expand your wine palate. Here are the wines:
How a Virtual Wine Tasting Works
If you’ve never joined a virtual tasting before, rest assured—it works beautifully.
After signing up, you’ll receive access to a dedicated page listing the selected wines, making it easy to order online. Prefer shopping locally or live outside a delivery area? No problem. You’re welcome to substitute with a similar wine, as we focus on region, grape, vintage, and style, not just the label.
On tasting day, we’ll gather on Zoom for a guided, interactive experience. I’ll lead you through each wine with a visual presentation, discussion, and plenty of time for questions. The event runs approximately 90 minutes—long enough to explore, never rushed.
What to Expect on January 10th
During the tasting, you will:
Explore five red wines rated 90+ points by respected critics
Enjoy wines typically priced $15–$30 per bottle, proving that luxury and quality don’t have to be expensive
Learn about the regions, grapes, winemakers, and stories behind each bottle
Discover fun and memorable details that bring the wines to life
Before the event, you’ll also receive:
A detailed tasting presentation that we will review on the zoom
Food pairing suggestions and recipes of necessary
Simple wine tasting preparation tips
These elements help you create a relaxed, elevated experience at home—on your own terms.
Reserve Your Spot
This virtual tasting is designed to be accessible, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable. The price is just $26, to mark the new year and space is limited to keep the experience personal and engaging.
Sign up today—or better yet, this week—and give yourself something to look forward to after the holidays: a glass raised, a story shared, and a winter evening well spent.
cheers to something wonderful in your glass.
stay luxurious, Craig