Local wine merchant Grapevine is hosting weekly virtual wine tasting sessions across social media to help keep people entertained while bars remain closed during the Coronavirus crisis.
The ‘Come wine with me’ sessions are hosted by Grapevine’s area sales manager and wine specialist Richard Bracken every Wednesday, when he carefully selects two wines from the company’s portfolio and talks lovers of the grape through their backgrounds and characteristics.
Grapevine, which is part of the Embleton-based Caterite Food and Wineservice Ltd, launched a ‘click & collect’ service from its site in Threlkeld at the start of this month. Following the launch the company decided to entertain its customers by educating them on the wines it stocks, through weekly virtual wine tastings across Facebook and Instagram.
Award-winning Richard said: “I’m a local Cumbrian lad who’s never left! I’m probably what can be best described as a ‘foodie’ and have a passion for anything food, wine and hospitality having spent my whole working life in the industry.
“My career started at the George and Dragon in Clifton, where I progressed up the ranks to Askham Hall taking on the role of head sommelier, looking after a wine list of 650 bins. I’ve taken exams with the Court of Master Sommeliers and I’m now working through my WSET’s to try and attain the very highest level of wine knowledge.
“A proud moment for me was being recognised by Cumbria Life as a Rising Star in hospitality at their 2016 Food and Drink Awards. I took the leap to join Grapevine in March 2018 and haven’t looked back since!”
Richard added: “Grapevine’s weekly episodes are both educational and fun to take part in. So why not give it a go All wines featured on ‘come wine with me’ are available to order through Grapevines website.”
Follow @caterite.foodservice on Facebook to take part in the weekly Grapevine virtual wine tasting sessions. To find out more about Grapevine visit the Grapevine Wine Services website.
