It’s only the beginning of March but it’s hard not to look ahead to spring. As we leave a cold winter and last year’s poor economy behind, it’s good to look forward with some refreshing optimism. Everyone must be feeling the same way as recent tastings have been selling out quickly. Next week’s premium Bordeaux and Burgundy tasting has been full for some time. Following the March break, Guild Director, Nicole Valee, who recently completed a course on matching cheese and beverages in New York City, will share her knowledge with us by putting together some interesting combinations of rare cheese, fine wines and premium beers. Have you ever thought of pairing beer and cheese? This tasting may surprise you.
After Easter, things pick up again in April and May, which always bring lots of wine events. The 2010 California Wine Fair is Tuesday April 20 and the New Zealand Wine Fair is one week later on Tuesday April 27. The Guild will host a wine maker’s dinner the evening before the New Zealand Fair. On May 20th a representative of Torres Wines will showcase the latest Torres family offerings from of Spain and Chile.
The May 3rd Annual General Meeting is still two months away, but we need to get a count of how many members plan to attend. Registration is free and wine and food will be served after the brief business meeting. Please sign up now.
Recently, my wife and I were dining in a local restaurant and our server, Kyle, showed an unusual interest in the wines on their list. He had no formal training in wine, but had worked in the restaurant industry for several years and taken it upon himself to learn all he could about wine. He was very interested in hearing about the Algonquin program and plans to sign up for the Wine and Food pairing program. I also expect to see him as a Guild member shortly. His interest and enthusiasm should serve as an example to all of us. Whenever you meet someone like Kyle, tell them about the Guild and invite them to join, or bring them to an event as your guest. The Guild is a welcoming place for wine lovers of all ages and levels of wine education and formal training, from novice to expert.
To register for an event, click the Register for this Event button on the event's description page. This will take you to the EventBrite registration page.
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.
"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile." — Homer
