German discounter Lidl has unveiled a new ‘sensory’ experience which will see wine buffs tasting wine in complete darkness.
Its new Vino Sensoria will see guests being “treated to a full sensory experience”, hosted by Lidl Northern Ireland’s Master of Wine Richard Bampfield.
The pop-up will take place at Belfast Exposed at Donegall Street in the city centre, from November 22 to 24.
“Guests will experience the shock and thrills of the ‘Discombobulator’ where senses will be heightened as budding wine enthusiasts embark on a journey to deconstruct the experience of visually appraising wines and engage in a scent safari that will tantalise the senses,” it says.
“Moving to the shadows of the Tasting Room, guests will be plunged into darkness and a world where taste buds are tingled and perceptions challenged. Guests will sip their way through a carefully curated collection of sparkling, red, white and rosé wine by Lidl Northern Ireland, guided by Richard Bampfield, while submerged completely in darkness.”
It says the experience culminates in the ‘Lumina’ room, where wines are revealed and visitors can select their favourite tipple to enjoy.
“The aim of Vino Sensoria is to dispel some of the myths surrounding the buying and serving of wine,” Richard Bampfield said.
“By tasting in total darkness with no distractions, tasters can concentrate fully on the wine in the glass and reach a better understanding of their own tastes and palate.
“Guests will leave feeling inspired, challenged and their taste buds reawakened. And with a new-found appreciation of high quality wine selections that won’t break the bank”.
Tickets for the event are now available online.
Meanwhile, Lidl has now announced a net zero commitment by 2050.
The retailer, which has 42 stores across Northern Ireland, says it is “significantly intensifying its commitment to sustainable business practices and climate mitigation as part of its international ‘A Better Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy”.
“Lidl is committed to net-zero by 2050 across all business units and supply chains. To date, it has already recorded a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland (compared to 2019) as part of Lidl’s commitment to reduce operational emission by 46% by 2030.”
Ivan Ryan, regional managing director for Lidl in Northern Ireland, says that the organisation remains “firmly committed” to offering customers across Northern Ireland products at affordable prices that are in line with its climate targets.
“Lidl has already made significant progress in climate mitigation in Northern Ireland and we are committed to doing much more in the coming years,” he said.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time but, with ambitious goals and determined action, we are taking on this task and playing our role in being part of the solution.”