Wine on tap? Yep, seems to be the new eco-friendly and economical way to serve wine.
The latest technology -- well, maybe not so new -- of putting wine on tap just might take the snob factor out of drinking wine. There are only a few wine bars serving wines on tap and they seem to be in a testing mode. Though they are saying that their customers are young and are willing to take chances and be open-minded.
The economical and environmental factors are enough for some popular bars to "set 'em up" with a couple of wines as well as beers.
It's economical for both the winery and the vendor as the packaging costs are lower. That savings is passed on to the consumer as well. Good deal!
Then there is the environmental effect. Some bars say their trash is 30 percent less with kegs -- can't beat that either. There is also no left-over wine in bottles that is past its prime. That can be money down the drain unless the bar has a kitchen. Good deal again!
So what wines are being poured from the tap? It seems that there are a few bars who are serving fresh and light summer wine like sauvignon blanc, a rose and merlot which seem to fare well on tap.
This is a great way to enjoy a glass of wine when you are in the bar scene. However, if you really enjoy the total wine experience, it's best to be in a restaurant setting and have the wine steward or sommelier open the bottle of wine at your table. This is all just a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
For me, I think this might be an adventure. Curiosity always gets to me and I have to check out the facts. I'll be looking for the bars where taps are flowing vino and I'll be back to let you know how my quaffing adventure turns out.
It might take me a month or two since we are in vacation mode around here, but this adventure is on my "bucket list" for sure.
Salute!
Winelady Cooks
We saw a piece on the Clo wine bar in NYC. They have an extensive tap system for wines. It does seem as though you might end up wasting some wine, but the owners suggested that having such a variety available by the glass outweighed the potential waste. Seemed pretty cool to me. Haven't gotten there yet.
ReplyDeleteJason
Hi Jason, Thanks for commenting. I guess there is always a bit of waste involved which is probably figured into the end result. I can't wait to give these wines a try. Unfortunately I'll be quite busy for a few months.
ReplyDeleteWhen everyone is feeling better at the end of the summer, I hope to begin my adventure to get to the city and visit a few bars for tastings.
Thanks for reading,
Joanne
Hi Winelady,
ReplyDeleteI'm a wine producer in Napa Valley and I'm packaging my wines in stainless barrels to serve from tap systems in wine bars and restaurants.
I'm happy to answer any questions you or your readers may have about wine on tap!
Jim
jim@n2wines.com
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. I'll send you our questions as they come up.
Thanks so much,
Joanne
Sounds like a great innovation. May be easier to pass on to wine consumers than box wine, or screw top caps. A lot will rely on the quality of the wine available.
ReplyDeleteJoe
Joe, thanks for reading and commenting. I'm going to give these a try and will post my thoughts. It may take a while since I'm booked for the next few months but I've penciled in a date on my calendar for a trip to the city. If you are up to it, check on my posts now and then for the updates.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Joanne