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, July 19, 2022.
Spend three fascinating 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.
July 22 Old-World vs. New-World Wines
The long and sometimes not-so-friendly competition between Old World and New World wine regions has produced some notable challengers and amazing tales. The New World is traditionally seen as the underdog in this faceoff, continually forced to prove the worth of its wines against the longstanding reigning champions of viticulture. Segelbaum leads a blind tasting of pairs of wines produced from the same grape or grapes from each of the winemaking worlds. Which wine region will reign supreme in this best-of-three test? Vote for your favorites and help crown the queens and kings of winemaking.
August 19 Secrets of the Sommelier
If you've seen the documentaries or have interacted with a high-level sommelier, then you know that the path to becoming a wine expert is long, arduous, and intensive. Segelbaum offers a chance to accelerate your learning by sharing the tips, tricks, and secrets to tasting and selecting wines like a world-class pro. He’s put together a best-of selection of hidden gems that you'll taste applying the know-how that sommeliers call on when they buy wine in restaurants or stores. Be prepared to sample some amazing regions, appellations, and producers that you’d likely not otherwise discover. This can't-miss session is perfect for any wine lover—whether you’re a neophyte or seasoned pro or anywhere in between.
September 23 The Ultimate Guide to the Food-Friendly Wines of Beaujolais
Beaujolais is just as fun to drink as it is to say. The marvelous region that straddles Burgundy and the Rhône Valley has much more to offer than the Beaujolais Nouveau of yesteryear. Learn the reason why Beaujolais is the most-consumed wine in the bistros and brasseries of Paris. Discover why sommeliers and foodies alike consider the rainbow of Beaujolais (white, pink, and red) as the perfect wines for fall and the holidays. Segelbaum’s tasting spotlights the distinctive elements and varying styles of Beaujolais wine, including the high-end rare Cru Beaujolais, as you enjoy an evening filled with Beaujonomie.
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 online programs presented on Zoom.
