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, January 21, 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.
January 21 South African Wines: A Delicious Diversity
South Africa has a storied history of winemaking, predating even that of some regions in France. Its world-class winemaking industry is reflected in a diversity of products, unique grapes, and a significant commitment to environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, that industry was crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Segelbaum and special guest Jim Clarke, ambassador for Wines of South Africa in the United States, to explore some of the best of the country’s offerings and how its winemakers are looking ahead to reestablishing their rightful place in the global marketplace.
February 18 A Better World, One Glass at a Time
In the month of love, it feels appropriate to show some for the wineries that have a commitment to improving the world, not just their own bottom line. Segelbaum leads a specially selected tasting that highlights delicious samples from around the globe produced by wineries with high levels of social, community, or environmental consciousness. Join him in a toast to the winemakers who are making a better world.
March 18 Extreme Viticulture
It takes a certain type of personal dedication to conquer the extremes in winemaking. Whether they’re making the desert bloom, dealing with baboons, combatting monsoons, or growing grapes at the edge of the world, some amazing professionals are producing at the absolute limits of winemaking capabilities. Segelbaum guides a viticultural tour-de-force as you discover some of the world’s most interesting wines and the even more captivating stories behind what goes into the bottle.
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.
