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, April 17, 2026.
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.
April17 A South American Spring
The wine regions of South America all create world-class wines. Their uniting element is the influence of the Andes, the world's longest continental mountain range, stretching over 5,500 miles along the western coast of South America. This immense geological feature shapes the land and the flavors in the wines of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Peru. In this delicious seminar, you taste remarkable wines from both sides of the range.
May 22 The Coolest Wines from the Hottest Regions
Many of the world’s best winemakers are applying new techniques and technologies and thus changing the rules of winemaking. This seminar explores wines that are both literally and figuratively cool (from a cool climate and/or an exciting region) and hot (from a warm climate and/or popular wines) from some of the most influential producers around the globe.
June 26 In a Burgundian State of Mind
Burgundy is considered one of the apex wine regions of the world. Outside of Burgundy, many producers use the Burgundian viticultural model as the benchmark for their wines. This deep dive examines the styles of Burgundian wines and the viticultural and winemaking techniques that producers are adopting to push their wines to greater heights.
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.
- Update: 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
