Updated

The web has done amazing things for the wine world and has enormously helped to educate novices like me. But one Napa winery has taken social media a step further.

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery saw an untapped opportunity. Four years ago, it was one of the first wineries to hire a social media director, according to CEO Emma Swain. And they have been making online strides ever since.

Social media has allowed St. Supéry to connect with its trade partners, guests, and wine club members instantly.  “It encourages interaction between the winery and our community so we can share the latest news, upcoming events both at the winery and across the U.S., and also allows us to learn from our guests about what they enjoyed during their visit to the winery and what wines they’re drinking at home,” says Swain.

They developed #Cabernet Day back in September 2010.  And on that day, anyone on Twitter was encouraged to drink a great cab and share their thoughts.

And this May 17 is #SauvBlanc Day, which they will be hosting for the fourth year consecutive year. So get out your Sauvignon Blanc and get ready to tweet!

They recently rolled out a new series of Interactive Wine Classes.  To participate, wine lovers purchase a group of wines and a kit that includes all the materials they need to conduct a tasting with their friends and family…At Home!  So cool!

I had the pleasure of participating back in one back in March and literally did it at my kitchen counter.  Their winemaker, Michael Scholz, was live via the web explaining the wines, taking questions off Twitter.

“We like to think of it as a way for our wine club members and customers across the country to bring the Napa Valley home and enjoy a virtual vacation,” says Swain. And that is exactly how I felt.

And I can’t wait to do it again.

Cent’ Anni.