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, January 23, 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.
January 23 Night in Napa
There can be no question that California’s Napa Valley is one of America’s most significant fine wine appellations. Over the years, producers there have helped pave the way for American wine on an international scale. The so-called Judgment of Paris blind tasting and other events in the 1970s put Napa Valley wines in the minds and on the tastebuds of connoisseurs around the world. Much has changed in Napa Valley viticulture since then. Explore not only the past and present but also the future of Napa Valley, learning about some of the best new and classic wines.
February 20 Outstanding Oregon
Oregon is synonymous with high-quality viticulture. Back in the 1970s, pioneering producers there were told they were crazy. The confluence of volcanic and glacial flood soils, along with the influence of the Pacific Ocean, make Oregon an incredible place to grow wines. This insightful session features both classic and up-and-coming producers and varieties that are quickly solidifying Oregon wines as some of the best in the world.
March 20 Paso Perfection
Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco sits Paso Robles wine country, a benchmark region of California’s famed Central Coast. The climate is perfect for the production of world-class wines from Bordeaux varieties to Rhône varieties and everything in between. Whether rich, intense, and full-bodied; crisp, clean, and light; or somewhere in the middle, there’s a Paso wine for every palate. This session explores the versatility of Paso Robles wines from some of the finest producers and subregions.
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
