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 in Washington, DC.
Note: These programs can be purchased separately. Registration for this series will end by 9 a.m. ET on Friday, July 21, 2023.
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.
July 21 The ABCs of Italian Wine
From Amarone to Barbera, Brunello to Chianti, Chivennasca and everything in between, sommeliers know that if an Italian region or grape name starts with A, B or C, it's likely to be delicious. And there’s no question that the rest of the letters are well represented in Italian viticulture. Segelbaum explores its grapes and regions in a delightful adult version of Italian-wine ABCs, proving that the alphabet never tasted so good.
August 18 Drink Like an Italian Sommelier
Italian wines captivate the hearts, minds, and palates of many American wine lovers, but their consumption is largely limited to a few major varieties and appellations. Reflecting thousands of grape varieties, Italian wine is an immensely complex subject that can make even the most knowledgeable sommelier's head spin. Segelbaum unravels the subject in a delicious exploration of some wonderful yet lesser-known Italian wines. On this off-the beaten-path journey you’re sure to discover some of the most exciting wines Italy produces. If you've ever wanted to drink like an Italian sommelier, this is the session for you!
September 22 Piedmont Wines Explored
With September marking the start of the Piedmontese truffle season, it’s only fitting to explore the complementary wines of one of Italy's most famed regions. Situated at the foot of the Italian Alps, with Provence and Switzerland a respective hop, skip and a jump away, Piedmont is home to more DOCG's than any other region in Italy. While Barolo reigns supreme here, Piedmont’s wines have so much more to offer. Learn why Nebbiolo is named for the famed "nebbia" fog and how Piedmont's semi-alpine wines belong at most any dinner table.
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.
- Timing Update: Each session will have separate kits available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 1–5 p.m. at Restaurant Chloe (1331 4th St SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy-Ballpark - Green 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 erik@thesomlyay.com for more information.
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.
General Information
