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, April 19, 2024.
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.
April 19 Winning with Walla Walla Wine
Explore the rich diversity of Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley as it celebrates 40 years since becoming an appellation. Enjoy a selection of wines and their immense pairing potential showcasing the unique terroir, whether borne on basalt, raised on "the rocks," or formed from floods. Taste wines crafted by Walla Walla’s iconic and innovative leaders, delving into the region's winemaking techniques, history, and the distinct characteristics of each wine. Discover the nuances in aroma, flavor profiles, and aging potential of select Walla Walla Valley wines and gain a deeper appreciation for this renowned wine region.
May 17 Wines of the Southern Hemisphere Part 1: Chilean Wine
Winemakers in Chile are amid a new era of innovation, modernization, discovery, and rejuvenation—leading to some of the most exciting wines the country has ever known. With a much deeper focus on regional identity and making wines based on terroir, rather than commercial market factors, Chilean wine has never been better. With the influence of "flying winemakers" diminishing, a new crop of Chilean natives are shaping and reshaping the wines of Chile, and indeed all South America. This delicious deep dive into one of the wine world's hidden gems is sure to surprise and delight. From international varieties to native grapes, Chile has it all. The session includes special guest Amanda Barnes, a British journalist and editor who specializes in wine and travel writing and authored The South American Wine Guide.
June 28 Wines of the Southern Hemisphere Part 2: New Zealand Wine
Despite only producing 1% of the world's wine, New Zealand has had a commanding presence in the international wine market. For years, bright and tropical Sauvignon Blanc was the cornerstone of New Zealand's vinous reputation. However, the modern New Zealand winescape has much more complexity and depth. Between the North and South Islands, world-class wine is produced in a myriad of styles. This delicious exploration spotlights New Zealand's commitment to viticultural sustainability and the country’s distinctive fusion of traditional and modern winemaking. Between unforgettable Pinot Noirs from the South Island, world-renowned Syrah and Bordeaux style blends from the North and, of course, bright crisp whites, New Zealand has something for everyone.
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 the day before the program and the day of the program, at the Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, 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
