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You can’t raise a glass in the pub with colleagues this Christmas, but that doesn’t mean your team needs to miss out on a celebration. Madeleine Barber talks to Unique Wine Safaris, a tour operator that’s diversified into selling virtual parties
From wine distributor to tour operator to virtual Christmas party host, there’s no denying David Kelley, managing director at Unique Wine Safaris, doesn’t give up in the face of adversity.
After successfully setting up a touring business to offer his wine-buying customers holidays to Italian, French and Spanish vineyards to meet the makers and taste the tipple in its motherland, the Covid-19 pandemic quickly put a pause on Kelley’s planned expansion into South Africa this year.
Like many other travel companies he took his business virtual, offering wine-tastings to clients on Zoom and, as the festive season looms, wine-tasting has become just one of the elements in the new Unique Wine Safaris virtual Christmas party product.
“By doing the virtual parties our name is still out there, we’re saying ‘guys, we’re still here’,” says Kelley.
The tour operator is now selling bespoke virtual Christmas party packages for £100, which feature fine wines and organic festive food delivered straight to attendees’ doors, as well as a host dressed as Father Christmas.
Phillip Humphries, one of Kelley’s business partners and the man behind the iconic bushy white beard and wire-rimmed glasses, says: “It is going to be different [this year], of course it is, but remember Christmas is a time to show we care – it’s not all about work, it’s about people, so get to know each other a little better and see how you can support each other.”
One way to boost team spirit over the festive season is of course hosting a virtual office party, but where to start when it comes to organising it? Humphries shares his advice:
“You don’t want to do the equivalent of throwing a great party and spending all your time in the kitchen, so relax and let someone else worry about it,” he says.
“Maybe ask them what they’d prefer!”
“When is it? What platform should it be on? How long should it last? What’s the dress code or theme? Do you need a DJ?”
“You do not want to spend 30 minutes listening to “can you hear me? I can hear you!”
“But also consider leaving the platform open for an after party.”
“Send everyone a bottle to open, maybe even some festive treats, crackers, silly hats and mince pies etc.”
“A short Christmas quiz is OK, but remember, we have all sat at screens a lot this year, so consider a dancing competition, carol singing or a treasure hunt.”
“And relax – you won’t have to drive home afterwards!”
Unique Wine Safaris has so far helped spread the festive cheer during four virtual Christmas parties and has another handful booked in for December.
“[Attendees] have all enjoyed it and, on the whole, we have found people enter into the spirit of it well – although Santa did spot one instance of someone Googling a quiz answer!” says Humphries.
While Unique Wine Safaris is not currently working with travel agents in the UK and Ireland, Kelley emphasises he’s keen to.
“I would love to work with travel agents – we just want to get the word out,” he says.
But the real question is, will the Unique Wine Safaris team be hosting a virtual Christmas party for themselves this year?
“I like to show my appreciation and I like to look after people, so yes, I will be planning something – I just haven’t got around to it yet!” laughs Kelley.
