Tom's blog

Tasting wine virtually

Leave it to Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, to come up with making wine “tasting” a virtual reality experience.

It seems unreal to me.

Bezos recently introduced Davos Elite Portfolio of Fine Wines. It’s first release, a cabernet sauvignon from the elite To Kalon Vineyard, is entirely virtual. Participants get an empty bottle with virtual reality goggles that have enhanced aromatherapy technology.

The experience is hosted by a sommelier who offers help in what the user should be tasting.

You have to be kidding, right? I get that this could be instructional, can’t be overconsumed and can be enjoyed by minors and alcoholics, but is anything more than a gimmick for real wine drinkers? I can’t imagined being satisfied without actually tasting the wine.

The “wine” retails for $75 a bottle — not including the $400 goggles. Now, I’m liking the idea even less.