Enjoy Wine or Craft Beer Tastings—Social Media Style!

The seasons are certainly changing and we have been receiving the good end of the summer season here in the Chicago-area. Some areas of the country have not been as fortunate and we should keep them in our thoughts and help wherever we can.

Technology has also been changing quickly so we can keep up with what is happening in real time all over the world. This technology boom has also been helpful to everyone looking to taste new wines and craft beers in their area or anywhere they are traveling.

There are many new events planned every day around tweeting, Facebook, Foursquare and other forms of social media. Just go online and type in “social media and wine tasting” and you’ll find an array of wineries and events that will pop up as well as experiences people have had at various winery events. The same goes for craft beer or spirits. Many wineries, breweries and distilleries are using social media sites to promote their tasting and services that people may otherwise be unaware even exist.

The world just celebrated “International Craft beer Day” on Aug. 5, where customers could express their delight or displeasure with a new craft brew through social media. Websites were set up to allow craft beer lovers to see what events were being held in their area.

Another craft beer event, International IPA Day, was August 4 and May 6 was #Chardonnayday and there are many others throughout the year. This is a great way to focus a large segment of people on a specific wine or craft beer region, varietal or style. It is also a lot of fun for those who participate since they are gathering with other people for the same reason. It is always fun when you are gathering with strangers who have an immediate connection. Conversations begin quickly and friendships are developed.

The events are simple and a fun to participate with friends as well as people you do not yet know. You can organize a get together at your home, winery, restaurant, wine shop or attend one already set up at a local venue. Share any photos, videos, blog posts or any other stuff making sure to include the event hashtag such as  #Chardonnay, #cabernetday, etc in your posting. You can post on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WordPress, Plancast, Foursquare, Gowalla or any other social media site.

See what other people are saying by searching #cabernetday on Google, search.twitter.com, Tweetdeck, kurrently or Twitterfall.

Have fun. It’s like a giant dining room table where everyone can pull up a chair and join the conversation.

As I’ve always noted, wine is a very conversational beverage and meeting new people is always a great experience when it comes to wine tastings. 

On Thursday, the 2nd annual #cabernetday is set to launch. People can gather and tweet their way through their favorite cabernet sauvignon wines. There are events in your area already planned or you can set up your own. 

Please check out the various tasting events that are scheduled in your area at http://www.localwineevents.com/.