New platform Vivant aims to better connect people in world of wine

A Burgundy winemaker has designed a new digital platform to connect winemakers, consumers and expert wine advisers while acting as an educational tool for the sector.

Vivant is an interactive online platform connecting people across the world of wine through live-streamed experiences. As well as helping wine drinkers to 'meet' producers and experts, it aims to champion those winemakers and brands that are supporting a more sustainable future for the industry.

It was devised by Michael Baum, owner of Château de Pommard. He said: "Our ambition is to recreate the magic of visiting a wine region without the carbon footprint of stepping on an aeroplane. We've assembled a team of wine educators, product designers, software engineers and media producers to immerse people in the world of wine like never before."

On the platform, Vivant's wine advisers will introduce members to trailblazing producers who are making sustainable wines to benefit the consumer and the planet. With a Vivant Experience Kit, members can taste the wines featured in each session, and all wines featured in the experiences are available for purchase by the bottle and shipped globally.   

The platform launches with three French wine regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy and Loire. New experiences from Champagne will be available from 20 December and Alsace experiences will follow in January 2021. These will be followed by experiences from wine-producing regions in Italy, Germany, Spain and beyond.

The Vivant team has also developed an Interactive Tasting Method, which teaches members to taste like professionals and get the most of our their wine. Members can compare their notes with those of the experts, who are on-hand to answer questions and provide recommendations. 

Claire Lurton, owner of Château Haut-Bages Libéral in Bordeaux, said: "Vivant is a community of committed producers who want to change the approach to the wine world. I am so proud to be part of its beautiful mission."

"One of the big forces of Vivant is the selection of sustainably produced wines," said Thiébault Huber, a former sommelier and now owner and winemaker at Domaine Huber-Verdereau in Burgundy. "Another is the experience itself. No matter where you are in the world, you are transported to Burgundy and other amazing wine regions."

Annual Vivant membership starts at £149/€149/$149 and is available online at vivant.eco.

16 December 2020 - Bethany Whymark