Great nights in

For all the downsides that the ongoing pandemic has visited on the way we live, there has been the odd highlight born of the chaos that might never have materialised in different circumstances. One such innovation is the series of Audi virtual lifestyle experiences – a clever adaptation of the tremendously popular Audi lifestyle experiences, tailored to an online format to allow customers to enjoy the bespoke experiences from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The idea was originally developed as a way for Audi Australia to remain in touch with customers during the original 2020 lockdowns. The Audi Australia team identified activities and experiences that would translate to an online format, while still engaging the Audi audience in real time. Pre-recorded ‘how to’ videos, even created especially for the brand were not what was called for in this instance. After all, there is no shortage of instructional video on YouTube to help while away the hours. No, the Audi virtual lifestyle experiences had to reflect the ‘live’ experiences that have proved so successful over the years and give Audi guests the opportunity to interact as much as possible with those presenting the bespoke material. 

So, how to take an Audi lifestyle experience from the ‘old world’ – say a Guillaume Brahimi cooking masterclass followed by lunch at Bistro Guillaume – and reproduce it in the virtual world?

This in fact became the very first of the Audi virtual experiences, with ingredients for the live cooking demonstration by the French master delivered to the door of each participant ahead of time, and Guillaume Brahimi essentially ‘beamed live’ into participants’ homes. With fellow Audi Ambassador, Steve Pizzati, acting as curator or emcee, and relaying live questions from Audi guests throughout the presentation. The Audi virtual experiences got off to a roaring start and gave each participant the rare chance to be coached through cooling a dinner of fried Snapper with carrot and ginger puree, coriander butter and pomme allumettes.

Since then, the Audi virtual experiences have gone from strength to strength. Be it flower arranging, a Penfolds wine tasting or sampling gins from the Cape Byron distillery, each one unique and designed to give guests the closest experience to actually being there in person.

Even without the ongoing lockdowns, the popularity of the virtual experiences has been such that Audi Australia made the decision to continue the series in tandem with the ‘in person’ program when they got going again. Too that end, new experiences are constantly being created to meet the popular demand. Regardless of tastes or interests there is bound to be something that will capture the imagination or pique your interest and allow you to enjoy a favourite pastime or add a new one to your repertoire.

New to the mix, virtual cheesemaking with Omnom Cheese, accompanied by a fresco Italiano cheese making kit that includes all of the specialty cheese ingredients and supplies you will need to make fresh ricotta & mascarpone at home – as well as a variety of snacks to enjoy with your cheese. Or perhaps an interactive beer tasting is more in line with your lifestyle? Then interactive time spent with Chrissy Flanagan of Sausage Queen Brewing could be just what the doctor ordered. Complete with an Audi box delivered in advance containing a range of Sydney craft beers, with one from Sausage Queen Brewing and a curated selection of three others to taste during the session.

Or escape to the soothing rainforest surrounds of Cape Byron Distillery once again – figuratively speaking – to sample the distillery’s whiskey selection, some of which of course having been delivered to your door ahead of time.

Restrictions or no restrictions, the ongoing appeal of enjoying one of these unique experiences in the comfort and safety of your own home goes without saying. Aside from the obvious convenience, coupled with the socially responsible social interaction, it is the bespoke nature of each event that has made the program such an ongoing success, and one that will see it continue as an integral part of the Audi lifestyle experience program well into the future.

Visit myaudi Australia for more information on Audi virtual experiences.