Socializing in person and via social media just got more interesting with a new app and online social chat. Klinq recently presented an event with multiple brand sponsors called Social Sips, inside of the renovated Gold Spike located in Downtown Las Vegas. The social sips event could easily be described as a Meetup or Tweetup with a philanthropic twist. A few days after the live event, a virtual WineTwits chat garnered hundreds of Tweets relating to wine. It was completely operated in the cloud of the Internet and brought many wine enthusiasts together to talk about three preselected wines.
Coming together for food and drink in the modern age of apps and social media is much more interesting today. However, sometimes that means sitting alone at a bar, having a drink while talking with friends over Facebook. That’s where the location based Klinq app and service, available to both iOS and Android smartphones, steps in. After registering, members are presented with a map showing which locations marked with pins are working with Klinq. Tapping into a venue shows users who are also there at the same time. The app allows users to prepay for specials offered by the venue and to buy other members a drink.
Attending the Social Sips event afforded me the chance to try the app in person, meet new people like the founder of Klinq and serendipitously run into friends. Tony Hsieh, author of Delivering Happiness, also appeared for a few minutes.
A few days after the Social Sips event came the virtual wine chat. Operated by WineTwits, it’s a hashtag event on Twitter that connects everyone who is interested in wine at a predetermined time. Over the last several years, they have successfully bridged the gap between wine professionals, enthusiasts, brand ambassadors and online influencers. I have been lucky enough to join several chats that are always informative and a great way to find new people to engage afterwards.
The wines we discussed were from Wente, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery. Some of those that were directly invited by WineTwits, like I was, were sent a bottle of each wine to taste test during the chat. As a relative newcomer to the wine scene, I liked Tweeting with sommeliers from around the country that know their business. Some of the professionals shared pairing recommendations, while others discussed tips about the wine in real time.
All together, both events created awareness for a new mobile app and several wines from around Northern California. The social aspect to each was great, as the attendees were able to meet or engage people, in person and on Twitter. And according to Klinq’s website, a portion of the proceeds from the Social Sips event was donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Finding a drink, connecting with people and learning about wines, in real time, has now become easier thanks to apps like Klinq and social media chats like those by WineTwits.
Disclaimer: I received access to Social Sips by Klinq and wine from Wente, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery. Opinions expressed here are my own. Some photos are courtesy of the above companies.