Wine lovers everywhere rejoice – we can still take part in a celebration of Central Otago's wines. The difference? We'll be sipping from the comfort of our living rooms.

The great wine minds behind Ripe: The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival are thinking outside the case with their latest idea. It may well be the first virtual wine tasting event of its kind, dedicated entirely to Central Otago's famous drops and encouraging people to hold their very own mini wine festivals at home.

The virtual event will take place on Saturday March 19, the same day of the original event, and will feature seven wineries presenting two wines each over the course of the afternoon. The winemakers will be joined by sommelier Candice Chow, who will help showcase each outstanding wine. Guests will be cheking out wine from Akarua, Gibbston Valley, Mount Michael, Maori Point, Maude, Misha’s Vineyard and Quartz Reef Wines.

“We’re hoping everyone’s still got the original festival date in their diary and will embrace the idea of going virtual by hosting their very own watch party with friends," says Ripe director Nathan White. "It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, sharing great Central Otago wine together. If you can’t come to Ripe, we’ll bring Ripe to you."

The event is open to anyone who purchases one of the featured wines, available from Ripe's website. Once purchased, you will receive your unique code to access the Ripe Virtual Tasting.

ripewine.co.nz