Registration Advisory: Please read through the complete program description before registering. This series includes wine tasting kits as part of its ticket price that must be picked up from a local Washington, DC wine bar.

Note: These programs can be purchased separately. Registration for this series will end by 9 a.m. ET on Friday, August 13, 2021.

Spend three fascinating Friday evenings expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

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.

AUG 13  Unlocking Portugal's Wine Secrets

Portugal a fascinating country with an even more amazing wine culture that represent every style imaginable. The wide range of options and flavor profiles, along with a plethora of indigenous native grapes, put Portuguese wine at the forefront of every wine pro's mind. Join Segelbaum on this exploration of a country and its compelling wines.

SEP 17  Discovering South America

South America boasts some of the world's best vineyard locations. Explore wines made on both sides of the Andes and how this massive mountain range is repsonsible for a diverse stylistic influence on the coastal west in Chile and the inland east in Argentina. You might even discover new favorite among critically acclaimed vintages produced in wine regions you never knew existed, such as Uruguay and Bolivia.

OCT 15  Loving the Loire

The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux, and exceptional wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here and Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire. As a testament to all the region contributes to French and global culture, the Loire Valley was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. Segelbaum leads a delicious exploration of the Loire Valley's distinct wine regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations, and styles.

3 sessions

Photo Caption (upper right): 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 the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–4 p.m. at The Eastern wine bar in the Capital Hill neighborhood (360 7th Street SE; Metro: Eastern Market, Orange, Silver and Blue Lines).
• Pick-ups are contactless, with all appropriate health, safety, and social distancing precautions. Due to state and federal laws, wine kits may not be shipped.
• NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to each session.

About Erik Segelbaum

Erik Segelbaum is a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker for 2020 and Food &  Wine magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year. He holds the designation of Advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of fewer than 600 specialists in the world who hold this level of certification. Segelbaum is the former corporate wine and beverage director for Starr Restaurants, a wine journalist and educator, and chief vinnovation officer of SOMLYAY hospitality and private events consultancy.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of each session. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of each session, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.