Mike Tipping boldly goes where no Evening Press wine writer has gone before - an internet tasting session.

Captain's log, star-date 18.03.2006

I have beamed down to early 21st century Planet Earth, to evaluate a phenomena known as a virtual wine tasting.

The meeting, on which I am to prepare notes, consists of several certified oenophiles, an agnostic and a dog. Despite a few technical hitches, due to unfamiliar computer equipment, the group have signed up, logged in and are affirmative to go, for the 7.30pm webcast start time.

In a pub restaurant somewhere down south, a group of 'wine experts', the inn owner and a token famous sporting face (England Rugby Union scrum-half Andy Gommersal) discuss the merits of the first of the six wines for tasting, live by webcam!

An unknown number of others, like the group I am studying, join them (virtually).

Meanwhile, back in the north, the six wines for tasting have been opened, as per instructions, 15 minutes before the start of the webcast. There are three reds and three whites in the £75 tasting pack, in this instance all from regions in Europe that also make good holiday destinations.

The group in the north is taking the wine seriously but perhaps not the chat room. "Goes nicely with pork scratchings", is the first message sent from the outpost in Bishopthorpe Road, York. This is picked up on by other chat-room winebibbers who ask, "Are you lot from up north?".

I have prepared a scientific breakdown of the wines but purely from a drinking enjoyment perspective, the following rank highest.

Firstly for the whites, an enjoyable Languedoc blend of grenache blanc and rousanne. Chateau Lamargue, Costieres de Nimes 2004 (£6.75) is smooth, light, crisp and refreshing with melon, exotic fruits and hints of fennel on the nose.

In the red corner, I favoured a modern Tuscan, TRE 2004, Brancaia (£13). Sangiovese with a splash of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, it is a smooth and well balanced blend of almonds, cherry, violet and velvet tannins.

I notice that the native people seem happy slurping, tasting and joining in with the web dialogue, Although, there are doubts raised about the price of the wines. I wager none will take up the offer to order more.

My verdict: "One to beam up, Scotty, I think the molecules in my head are already scrambled!"

Technical requirements: Early 21st century computer with a broadband internet connection

Prices: £75 for a six-bottle tasting pack or £125 for a 12-bottle package

Further information: from info@virtualwine.co.uk and the website, www.virtualwine.co.uk or telephone Angela on 020 7034 0700

Tippling term of the week: trichloroanisole.

Not something you ask for quietly at the chemist but the chemical compound responsible for causing corked wine. My simple solution, for avoiding corked wine is to buy bottles sealed with a screwcap!

Updated: 16:54 Friday, March 17, 2006