REGISTRATION ADVISORY: Please read through the complete program description before registering. This program includes a wine tasting kit as part of its registration price that must be picked up from a local Washington, DC wine bar.

Spend a fascinating evening expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

Fortified wines are a world unto themselves. While often misidentified as dessert wines, these gems of the wine world come in a myriad of styles ranging from bone dry aperitif to fully sweet. Each also comes with an incredible origin story.

Port results from a combination of extreme viticulture and the influence of coastal aging. Sherry is the product of unique terroir and unique aging processes under a “veil.” Madeira originally served as ballast and potable liquid on long oceanic voyages. During these journeys it was “cooked,” resulting in the style of Madeira known today.

Whether oxidative, semi-oxidative, non-oxidative, or cooked, the flavor variations are many. This delicious exploration of the history and current scenario of fortified wines includes a selection of styles along with tips for pairing fortified wine throughout an entire meal.

Wine Tasting Kit Information

• The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines.
• Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop.
• Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the day of the program between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster (Union Market, 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC; Metro: NoMa–Gallaudet U station, Red line).
• NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program.
• Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik4wine@gmail.com for more information.

About Erik Segelbaum

Erik Segelbaum, who holds the designation of Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, is one of fewer than 600 specialists in the world who hold this level of certification. He is the former corporate wine and beverage director for Starr Restaurants, Food + Wine Magazine Sommelier of the Year 2019, and Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker 2020.

Additional Fall Wine Adventures Program

• December 4: Brewed Brilliance: A Sake Deep Dive
• View a list of programs with Erik Segelbaum.

General Information

• Sales will cut off for this program by Friday, October 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET.
• View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.