What’s New With Beaujolais Nouveau in DC
Every year, at exactly 12:01 AM on the third Thursday in November, a new vintage of Beaujolais is released in Burgundy. The Beaujolais Nouveaux always arrive with tons of fanfare, crowds spill out onto the streets of Paris shouting for joy, and spontaneous parties spring up everywhere.
According to Franck Duboeuf, co-proprietor of Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, “Nouveau Expression is a celebration of creativity, self-expression and enjoying the moment. It’s a fun, vibrant new way for Duboeuf to connect with its Beaujolais Nouveau’s enthusiasts through art and for people to connect with each other through social media and celebrations around the U.S.”
Just in time for the parties and festivities, here is a round-up of what’s going on in DC.
Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting
Until they run dry, Bistro Lepic wine bar in upper Georgetown will offercomplimentary tastes of Beaujolais Nouveau. Sip a few glasses, sample some tasty morsels, and relax to live Django Reinhardt-style jazz performed by the Gypsy Jazz group Hot Club of DC.
What: Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011 | from 7:00 PM
Where: Bistrot Lepic | 1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Admission: Free
Festively Elegant: Beaujolais Nouveau Party
Each year Alliance Française throws a formal party to celebrate the release of the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s for anyone who loves all things French and wants to mark the new harvest in style. Guests get dressed in their finest, listen to live jazz, and dine on a buffet of terrific French food.
What: Festively Elegant: Beaujolais Nouveau Party hosted by Alliance Française
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011 | 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Where: Washington Club | 15 Dupont Circle NW, Washington DC 20007
Admission: Members-$40 per person | Non-members-$50 per person | VIP Tickets-$120 per person
Beaujolais & Beyond
Each year La Maison Française, the Embassy of France, throws a party to celebrate the release of the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s a sought after ticket that always involves food, fun, live music, and culture. This year, the party is being called Beaujolais & Beyond, and it is part of a nation-wide celebration of art known as Nouveau Expression—Be Heard.
The evening’s festivities are hosted by the DC Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) and blend the art of French winemaking with French art and culture, and of course spectacular food. The event runs includes wine from other regions in France, delicious French food samples, a jazz ensemble, dancing, and a raffle drawing for a chance to win two round trip business-class airline tickets to Paris and other prizes.
What: Beaujolais & Beyond
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011 | 7:00 – 10:o0 PM; VIP reception starts at 6:00 PM
Where: Maison Francaise, Embassy of France | 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington DC
Admission: Members-$40 per person, $65 for VIP | Non-members-$50 per person, $85 for VIP
Beaujolais Nouveau Party and Dinner
Michel Richard is the quintessential French chef, and like any good Frenchman, he is hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau release party. In honor of this tradition, he will host guests at Central Michel Richard and feature Domaine Dupeubles by the glass and bottle, along with special pricing on other Burgundian wines, a special menu of French classics, one-night-only wine-by-the-glass specials, and games and tastings. For entertainment, Parisian Gypsy Jazz group Laissez-Foure will perform live from 7:00-10:30 PM, and guests will be fêted in true Parisian fashion.
What: Beaujolais Nouveau Party and Dinner
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011 | 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Where: Central Michel Richard | 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004
Admission: $31 to $50; make reservations online here
Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting & Dinner
Café Dupont is hosting its first-ever Beaujolais Nouveau celebration Thursday, November 17. This modern French brasserie serves French classic dishes that are prepared using only the freshest locally sourced produce and products. Just like his compatriots back in France, Executive Chef Silvan Kramer is an enthusiastic supporter of the celebration and wanted his guests to have a chance at joining the international day of wine. It’s an opportunity to drink this fragile vin de primeur while it’s young and fresh and pair the wine with a special menu.
To encourage enthusiastic imbibing, the restaurant is offering a offering a three-course pairing menu, which is $90 per couple and includes a bottle of 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau (plus tax), or is $45 for a single diner and includes two glasses of wine. Guests have the option of choosing pairing dishes à la carte with the Beaujolais Nouveau priced at $7 per glass and $30 per bottle.
“I want to keep French rituals alive in Washington’s Dupont Circle neighborhood,” says Chef Silvan, and based on the enticing menu he’s created, there won’t be an empty seat in the house.
What: Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting & Dinner
When: Thursday, November 17, 2011 | 5:00 PM
Where: Café Dupont| 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW off the lobby in The Dupont Circle Hotel
Tickets/Reservations: make reservations by calling (202) 797-0169 or go online to Open Table
Category: AROUND DC, BAR EVENTS, CITYWIDE EVENTS, EAT N' DRINK, FOODIE EVENTS, NEW EVENTS, RESTAURANT EVENTS, WINE LOVERS
