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.
Note: These programs can be purchased separately. Registration for this series will end by 9 a.m. ET on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Spend two 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 30 The Delicious World of Fortified Wine
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.
December 4 Brewed Brilliance: A Sake Deep Dive
Sake is one of the most versatile and food-friendly wines around. It is made via an extremely intricate and singular brewing process: Rice, water, yeast, and koji mold all work together in an unusual dance known as simultaneous parallel fermentation. Discover how rice species, rice polishing ratios, water sources, terroir, and the brewer’s art define each bottle's unique character. Explore sake terms and styles, demystify bottle label nomenclature, and learn ways to pair sake with virtually any type of cuisine
2 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.
- 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
