Registration Advisory: Please read through the complete program description before registering. This series includes wine tasting kits as part of its registration price that must be picked up in Washington, DC.
Updated Note: These programs can be purchased separately. Registration for this series will end by 8:30 a.m. ET on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Spend three fascinating evenings expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
October 10 Portugal Perfection
The wine culture of Portugal represents virtually every style imaginable. This wide range of options and flavor profiles, along with hundreds of indigenous grapes, puts Portuguese wine at the forefront of every wine pro's mind. Moreover, the wines from such popular regions as the Douro Valley and Alentejo compete with the best wines of the world at a fraction of the price. Explore Portugal through the lens of some of its most compelling wines.
November 14 Madeira, a Gift From an Island to the World
In the 1600s and 1700s, wine was often fortified to survive long voyages at sea. While on board on trips to warmer climates, casks of Madeira—named after the island where the wine was made—were naturally heated. The resulting wine developed complex flavors that became highly prized. Producers then created techniques to mimic this process. The result is Madeira as we know it today, one of the most interesting wines in history.
In the United States, the wine was consumed at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and at many milestones of early American history. George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Thomas Jefferson were huge aficionados of Madeira. In fact, Virginia and much of the U.S. owe their wine industry to Jefferson’s attempts to recreate Madeira at Monticello. Dig into the many styles of this glorious food-friendly wine from a gorgeous island.
December 12 Sonoma Uncorked
The geography of Sonoma County, California, ranges from coastal and inland mountains to sweeping valleys and high benchlands. Each distinctive geographical feature imparts its own elements of terroir within Sonoma’s 19 American Viticultural Areas, ensuring wines with both regional identity and a sense of individuality. With a seemingly endless range of microclimates and growing conditions, Sonoma’s wines run the gamut from cool coastal appellations to hot inland valleys. Enjoy this delicious deep dive into the varieties, flavors, and terroirs of Sonoma.
3 sessions
Note: View a list of programs with Erik Segelbaum.
Wine Tasting Kit Information
- The cost includes curated personal tasting kits with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines.
- Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kits, which is an essential component of the series.
- Each session will have separate kits available during two scheduled pick-up times. Starting with the November 14 Madeira wine program, 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.
General Information
