This holiday season we are celebrating a few of the many companies that have managed to lift our spirits by helping us to connect, have fun and stay safe. 2020 has been centered at home, but thanks to the virtual world, we have been able to expand our circles further than we could have imagined. From wine tastings to cooking lessons, these innovative experiences may actually turn into traditions that are carried on long after social distancing is over.
WINE:
VIVANT
Immerse yourself in an interactive and engaging wine tasting led by expert wine enthusiasts eager to introduce you to some of the world’s best sustainable, organic, and biodynamic viticulture.
Vivant’s platform features Experience Kits™, or 100 ml Tasting Tubes, with samples of hand selected wines which are reconditioned in an inert gas environment allowing them to maintain their aromas, flavors and mouthfeel.
For those looking to pop a cork and raise a glass on New Years Eve, the company also just launched four exclusive Champagne experiences.
“At a time when we can’t all be together, virtually traveling to Champagne with family and friends in a Live Experience, meeting fascinating producers and tasting their naturally made wines is a great way to ring in 2021.”
Michael Baum, CEO and Founder at VIVANT
FOOD:
100 Pleats
While we’re all cooking more at home, why not give someone (or yourself) the gift of a few new skills? 100 Pleats was started during the pandemic to help out-of-work chefs earn money while giving people in quarantine something to do. The subscription based app offers 4 different fully customizable experiences taught by master chefs … we’re taking Michelin-starred, James Beard Award winners, stars of Top Chef and Iron Chef, restaurateurs and cookbook authors.
The company, co-founded by Top Chef Masters alum and New York City-based chef Franklin Becker, launched with private cooking classes, but is now growing to include group classes as well as culinary classes in conjunction with the NYC Board of Education.
Learn how to make delicious holiday gifts for friends, a full holiday dinner or gift someone a certificate!
THE WORKS:
Doorstep Events
When the pandemic hit, events firm, Little Red Bean Productions anticipated the virtual demand and quickly stepped up launching Doorstep Events in May.
The company executes one-of-a-kind events such as date nights, weddings and yes, holiday parties. From something as simple as having Santa pop-in on your team’s weekly zoom meeting to learning how to shuck oysters that are shipped to attendees in advance, the sky’s the limit.
Look for their “party-in-a-box” kits filled with everything you need to celebrate that special occasion in the comfort of your home coming soon.
DESSERT:
Tipsy Scoop
Nothing says the holidays like a virtual ice cream cocktail party! Order kits to create drinks like Santa’s Cookie & Whisky Float or Berries and Bubbles then sit back and let the virtual bartenders get your party started! Each kit includes everything you need to make 2 cocktails, including all the booze, ice cream, garnishes, and drink-making instructions.
The family owned business, which ships nationwide through Goldbelly or over dry ice within Manhattan and Brooklyn, has received such an incredible response to their kits, they’re selling out fast!
Elise Edwards
Writer/Producer
Elise began her career as a Writer/Anchor/Reporter at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, GA. She also served as Supervising Producer at E! Networks and most recently, has been busy freelance producing and writing for numerous magazines and blogs.
