For every reason, there is a season, and wine is no exception. Over the last decade, Washington has steadily become one of the most prominent wine-consumer cities in the country, and winemakers and retailers have taken notice. During the months of April and May, the metropolitan area is filled with opportunities to taste a variety of varietals. Cochon 555 Culinary Competition and Wine Tasting Event
April 22, 5 to 8 p.m.
The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington DC, 20001
The fourth annual Cochon 555 is a traveling culinary competition and tasting event to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. The event challenges five local chefs to prepare a menu created from heritage breed pigs, nose-to-tail, for pork-loving attendees. Five winemakers are also invited to participate. This year’s chefs include Scott Drewno from The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Nicholas Stefanelli of Bibiana, Ed Witt from 701 Restaurant and Mike Isabella of Graffiato. The winner will go on to compete at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, CO. Tickets are $125 – $250. cochon555.com
Wine Spectator’s Grand Tour Wine Tasting
April 27, 7 to 10 p.m.
Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20004
One of the most prominent wine tastings in America makes a stop this year in Washington. Wine Spectator magazine is sponsoring a tasting that features more than 200 wines from 21 different countries and includes roses, whites, reds, sparkling, fortified and dessert wines. Many winery representatives will be on hand to pour wine and answer questions. Many will also offer tastes of their high-end wines. Tickets are $200. winespectator.com/micro/show/id/grandtour-intro
13th Annual Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction to Benefit the American Heart Association
May 2 to May 5
If you’re looking to drink well while doing good, then the four-day-long Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction is an ideal way to mix philanthropy and fun. It begins Wednesday with the United States of Wine celebration on the rooftop of 101 Constitution Ave, NW. The evening will showcase some of the best wines in America, many of which will be presented by owners and winemakers themselves.
Thursday features a series of intimate wine dinners in embassies, restaurants and private homes, each pairing a special chef and winemaker. Friday is the exclusive black-tie Vintners Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium featuring the First Growth Wines of Ch?teau Mouton Rothschild. The fundraiser culminates Saturday at the Omni Shoreham Hotel with a seated tasting where chateau representatives from Bordeaux will share wines from the 2009 vintage. The post-tasting reception features food prepared by some of the nation’s top chefs and wines from around the world, as well as live and silent auctions where guests may bid on exclusive travel opportunities, dining experiences and rare and exceptional wines. Tickets range from $200 – $1,000 depending on the event(s) you wish to attend. For more information, visit heartsdelightwineauction.org.
Wine Riot
May 5th
DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D Street, NW Washington, DC 20006
In 2008, Tyler Balliet and Morgan First set out to create a fun event where people could learn about wine in a festive environment. Wine Riot, now in its third year and in six wine-loving cities, is the perfect place for both the curious novice as well as the growing oenophile to explore more than 250 wines from around the world. Ms. First and Mr. Balliet have conjured up a team of fun-loving wine experts to both entertain and educate attendees, all wrapped up with party music, photo booths and temporary tattoos. There are two sessions: 1-5 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $50 per session. secondglass.com/wineriot.
Taste of Greece
May 12th
Douk?nie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132
If you’re looking to explore the local wine scene, then consider joining the Bazaco family and their Douk?nie staff at their Virginia winery. This is a family-centric fun day featuring an authentic Greek menu and music. Enjoy outdoor wine tastings, Mounted Horse Games, face painting and educational seminars and tours regarding the importance of terroir. General admission is $25 per person, children and designated drivers $10. Rain or shine. 12-6 p.m. Call Maria at 540-668-6464 x 202 for additional information or visit doukeniewinery.com/events_may.htm
