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In a New Seabury living room turned film studio, the hustle and bustle of a crew getting cameras, laptops and lights in order was under way. The stars were getting dressed and about to arrive in the kitchen, which would serve as the show's stage. With only 29 minutes to broadcast, stagehands, doubling as caterers, were handing out hors d'oeuvres, setting up wineglasses and keeping a cheery calm.

But this wasn't a typical film production. It was a webcast about, of all things, wine.

At 7 p.m. on a Friday late last month, wine enthusiasts from around the country who signed up online with Tastoria.com participated in a virtual wine-tasting adventure led by two British wine experts, Ben Llewelyn and James Booth.

The 90-minute wine tasting was streamed live on the Internet from a New Seabury home whose owners volunteered to host the show. Also on hand was Boston restaurateur Andy Husbands, chef at Tremont 647, who prepared foods on the grill to pair with the wines.

Tastoria is the U.S. counterpart of the 12-year-old English company Virtual Wine, which has become a hit by webcasting wine tastings in restaurants and pubs around the UK. An Internet search shows cyberspace tastings being organized on the Web sites of many wine enthusiasts, as well as in actual classes, such as the one offered by the University of Delaware's continuing education program.

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That was a buzz! It was the first time I have had to host a show on my own and I must say that it was great fun, although it is funny to think now, but a few times I thought I might be lost for words. Luckily for me Hannes D... (more...)

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