Your Complete Guide to Philly Wine Week

Sunday, March 22 marks the start of Philly Wine Week. That means you can look forward to eight days of events that will grab you by the taste buds as you savor the range, diversity, quality and dedication of the world-class, wine obsessed restaurants and bars in Philadelphia.

So, grab your glass and get ready to toast this great event at one of the many Philadelphia establishments participating this week. Check out the full list of happenings below.

Sunday, March 22

Opening Corks at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Toast the beginning of Philly Wine Week 2015 in style with a kickoff “Opening Corks” gala at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, featuring a selection of premium sparkling, white & rosé wines, and hors d’oeuvres from Panorama, Barbuzzo, Tria, and Murray’s Cheese.

Ravines Wine Dinner at Fork
Kick off Philly Wine Week with a dinner featuring the wines of Ravines Wine Cellars. Welcome owners/wine maker Morten & Lisa Hallgren from their award-winning estate on New York’s Finger Lakes. The evening will include reception with hors d’oeuvres, seated 4 courses, and wines. Call for reservations

A “Welcome Spring” Sunday School at Tria
Tria’s weekly Sunday School – where visitors learn about and enjoy a different not-so-common wine, cheese and beer— will serve Gelber. Gelber Muskateller is planted in Austria that hardly any of this rare but incredibly popular wine gets past the Austrian border. There’s no better wine to welcome spring than this!

Monday, March 23

Tasting Terroir with Sébastien Riffault and Zev Rovine at a.bar
Explore Sancerre with natural winemaker Sébastien Riffault and Philly-native importer Zev Rovine. Sancerre is one of the world’s most famous appellations with such a distinct expression of terroir. A selection of three expressive, single-vineyard wines, crafted soulfully by Sébastien will be served. Grown organically, plowed by horse, and harvested by hand.

Nouvelle Vague Cinema Night at Bardot
Presenting Jean-Luc Godard’s New Wave Masterpiece, Pierrot Le Fou, projected onscreen in Bardot’s dining room. The featured wine for the evening will be Olga Raffault Chinon “Les Picasses” 2002. In addition, food pairing suggestions will be based around this vintage.

Wine Cocktails at Jet Wine Bar
Jet Wine Bar will feature cocktails made with wine all evening long at the bar. Who wants a Sangria flight?

Bowler Portfolio Wine Dinner at Vetri Upstairs Dining Room
In celebration of wine week, join David McDuff and Adam Leonti, Vetri Chef de Cuisine, as they explore the David Bowler portfolio. Adam will prepare several courses to complement David’s wine selections.

Madeira Monday, 80s Style, at Tria
We’ll be celebrating the 1980’s at Tria with a limited supply of rare D’Oliveiras Vintage Sercial Madeira from 1989, paired with savory two-year old Boerenkaas Gouda. Wondering what the heck Madeira is? In short, it’s a bright-yet-caramelly fortified wine. Limit one vintage Madeira per guest – we’ve only a little of this wine, and it’s going to fly

“Bar-Somm. Smack Down” Cocktail Competition with Wine-Based Cocktails at Panorama
Cocktail Competition with Wine-Based Cocktails …and a handful of Philly’s Very Best Bartenders!

Tuesday, March 24

Cocchi Happy Hour w/ Marc Monaco at Alla Spina
Vermouth has long been a staple of Italian drinking culture, and remains the perfect aperitivo before a night on the town or a multi-course feast. Join Mark Monaco of Palateur Imports for a celebration of Cocchi, one of Italy’s most cherished and historical vermouth producers. Mark will be offering $5 pours of Bianco, Rosso, and Americano, while providing insight into vermouth culture and how to best enjoy it.

Cage Match: Jonny Medlinsky vs David McDuff at Alla Spina
Two worlds very dear to us are about to collide when David “Hardcore” McDuff takes on Jonny “Metal” Medlinski! They’ll be tasked with pairing four courses to their respective beverage of expertise: David represents one of the most exciting wine portfolios around (Bowler Wines) & Jonny is the Khyber Pass Pub’s beer maestro extraordinaire.

Wine Dinner at Amada
Enjoy a wine dinner with Steven Alexander from De Maison Selections.

Mexican Foods, Loire Wines at Jet Wine Bar
Executive Chef JC Piña, of Cafe Ynez and Jet Wine Bar, has crafted a menu of classic Mexico-City dishes for us to sample. Each tasting course will be paired with a different wine. Wines have been selected by Mexico-City native and Loire-wine importer, Heinz Volquarts, of VinoBliss. Of course, Mexican wine is also good with Mexican food, and they’ll have one of those, too!

Karamoor Wine Tasting at Meritage
Come to Meritage and meet, greet and taste with Robert Burke.

Wine of Fortune at Bardot
Spin the wheel to choose either your next wine or win a prize. The wine selections will be specialty and unique wines that we’ll be featuring throughout the week.

Basque Wine and Cider Tasting at Tinto
Join us for a tasting of all things Basque – sidras, txakolis, digestifs, and more – hosted by Tinto Beverage Director Justin Holden and Seth Biederman of The Wine Merchant. This interactive event will also feature complimentary tapas and some porrons to pass around! Reserve a spot, or walk-ins also welcome.

Pinnacle Ridge Winery at Pinot Boutique
Meet and greet with the winemaker from Pinnacle Ridge Winery. PLUS we’ll give you a FREE taste of one of their wines available at Pinot Boutique. If you like what you try, stay a while as wine by the glass will be available for purchase all night.

Jamie Bisonette Cookbook Dinner with Diego de Corte, Conexport at Osteria
Join acclaimed Chef Jamie Bisonette as he cooks recipes from his Boston restaurants Coppa & Toro while highlighting recipes and techniques from his book, “The Charcuterie Cookbook.” To top it all off, Diego De Corte, US ambassador for Conexport, will be sharing incredible wines and stories from his portfolio to pair with Jamie’s food. Cookbook included!

Tria’s Annual Ten Year Tuesday
Come enjoy two decade-old wines for $10 apiece, all evening long on Tuesday 3/24. This year, we’re featuring an elegant and minerally ‘05 Muscadet from Domaine Michel Brégon, as well as a savory Spanish ‘05 Rioja Crianza from Ramón Bilbao. Besides Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, these wines may be the best things produced in 2005.

Quizzo at Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
Come and enjoy wine quizzo with wine specials, prizes and the lovely Cristine Hoffman. Call for reservations.

Wednesday, March 25

Cage Match: Brendan Hartranft vs. Jason Malumed at Alla Spina
Two worlds very dear to us are about to collide when Brendan “The Hitman” Hartranft takes on Jason “Big Mig” Malumed for a Wine v. Beer cage match! They’ll be tasked with pairing four courses to their respective beverage of expertise: Jason is the owner of Chalkboard Wine & Spirits and Brendan is the owner of Memphis Taproom and a hoard of other amazing Philly bars and restaurants.

Under the Sherry Moon with Tim Kweeder at Bardot
Tim Kweeder, sommelier & owner of Petruce et al, will host a discussion and Q&A about the various types and styles of Sherry wines. Chef Rhett Vellner will prepare small plates and dessert to pair with the Sherries. In addition, specialty Sherry cocktails will be featured, as will the music of Prince.

Wine & Unwind: Yoga & Wine Event at Bistro St. Tropez
Wind down after a long day at work with a Vinyasa yoga session with Meredith followed by wine, light appetizers & a spectacular view! $30 advanced reservations & $35 at the door. All levels welcomed! Please reserve your spot today by emailingevents@bistrosttropez.com.

Wine & Cheese Pairing with DiBruno Bros & The Artisan’s Cellar at Osteria
Join us for a flight of 3 unique cheeses expertly paired with wines from Sean Faeth of The Artisan’s Cellar.

Wine and Foodie Quizzo at Meritage
Wine & food themed quizzo in Meritage’s bar area.

Peril & Pleasure: Pairing Wine & Cheese at Jet Wine Bar
Sometimes wine and cheese tastes great together, but sometimes it just tastes bad. Ben and Andrew will give you examples of both – using the same wines and cheeses, and help figure out just why certain pairings are winners and others are losers. Join us in this casual environment to taste, learn, and have fun!

Old World vs. New World | Italy vs. Cali at Paradiso
Old World vs. New World | Italy vs. Cali 4 Pours: 2 Chardonnay- 1 Cali, 1 Italy 2 Pinot Noir – 1 Cali, 1 Italy Paired with four small bites.

Wines of Washington State Seminar & Tasting With Thom Horsey at Panorama
Wines served will include: Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling, Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Harvest Select Riesling, Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay , 14 Hands Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, NorthStar Merlot, Spring Valley Vineyard Nina Lee Syrah.

#WineWednesday with Auburn Road Winery at Pinot Boutique
Meet and greet with the winemaker from Auburn Road Winery. PLUS we’ll give you a FREE taste of one of their wines available at Pinot Boutique. If you like what you try, stay a while as wine by the glass will be available for purchase all night.

Cooking Class with Master Sommelier Christopher Bates at Vetri Upstairs Dining Room
In this intimate cooking class for 12 guests, students will have the opportunity to enjoy a casual atmosphere as Alicia Walter, Private Dining Chef at Vetri, leads a 4-course demonstration dinner that showcases the many uses of wine in cooking. Master Sommelier Christopher Bates will provide wine pairings that feature grapes from his award-winning Finger Lakes establishment, Element Winery.

Wine and Food Pairing Competition at Walnut Hill College
An exceptional wine and food pairing competition among students; they will search the world for the best wines while our Chef de Cuisine creates a tailor-made 4-course menu to match. Each course will feature a wine tasting from each team, and while you dine they strive to persuade you that their particular selection is the winner! This includes eight wines and four courses.

Wine From Where?! At Tria
Travel with Tria to a collection of off-the-beaten-path places one wouldn’t expect to be drinking wine from; think wines from Serbia, Dalmatia, Mallorca, Turkey, Uruguay and more, all priced specially at $10 per glass. Wander through the wild world of wine with this special Wednesday event.

Tour de France- Crash Course at Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
This is a self-guided crash course of the major regions and grape varietals of France. Sip and learn at your own pace!

Thursday, March 26

Tête-à-Tête with Acclaimed Writer & Natural Wine Advocate Alice Feiring at a.bar
Sommelier Mariel Wega & importer Megan Storm (Artisan’s Cellar) host a tête-à-tête with acclaimed writer & natural wine advocate Alice Feiring. Learn how one lone woman took on the biggest wine critic in the world, & won the battle. Complimentary small bites will be served. Guests are encouraged to join the Facebook event and post questions for Alice in that forum.

FLX Wienery Pop-Up w/ Christopher Bates, MS at Alla Spina
Christopher Bates not only helmed one of the country’s greatest wine programs as General Manager and Executive Chef of 5 star Hotel Fauchere, but won the International Best Young Sommelier competition. Enjoy highlights from his recently opened “Modern Hot-Doggery” FLX Wienery; have a bite from his casual country eatery’s menu at the bar, or indulge in a full tasting menu. Reservations recommended.

Date Night at Bardot
Order a glass of wine to receive a ticket and be entered in a drawing for a complimentary dinner for two at Bardot and a Ritz theatre gift certificate.

A Murder in Paris at London Grill
Murder Mystery Wine Dinner featuring local and imported draught wines paired with a three course menu.

Les Copines Aussi! Late Night Soirée with Alice Feiring & Friends at Good King Tavern
Join Chloé Grigri (The Good King Tavern), sommeliers Mariel Wega (a.kitchen+a.bar) & Lauren Harris (Townsend), & importer Megan Storm (Artisan’s Cellar) for an epic ladies night with Guest of Honor Alice Feiring, acclaimed writer and natural wine advocate.

Casual Walk-Around Tasting of 6 Premium Classic Wines of Northern Italy at Panorama
This event includes all wine and light hors d’oeuvres & cheeses. Casual Walk-Around Tasting of 6 Premium Classic Wines of Northern Italy: Meet and Greet Thom Horsey, National Educator, St Michelle Wine Estates.

Natural Wine & Funky Beer at South Philadelphia Tap Room
Natural wine – made with minimal to no chemical or technological intervention – often develops interesting funky and sour characteristics. We love that – it reminds us of our favorite Lambics, Flemish Sours, and Wild Ales. To celebrate Philly Wine Week, SPTR will pour a slew of natural wines and pair them with a lineup of funky draught beer. Featured wines will include a Macon-Villages from Dom. Guillot-Broux, Le Canon from Dom. Grande Colline, a special bottle from natural wine pioneer Frank Cornelissen, and more! We’ll pair those with draughts like Russian River Supplicaiton, Lindemans Gueuze, and Lost Abbey Cuvee de Tomme. Yes! Everything will be available in big, small, and flight-sized portions.

#ThirstyThursday with Harvest Ridge Winery at Pinot Boutique
Meet and greet with the winemaker from Harvest Ridge Winery. PLUS we’ll give you a FREE taste of one of their wines available at Pinot Boutique. If you like what you try, stay a while as wine by the glass will be available for purchase all night.

Expressions of Gamay at Vedge
Special Guest David McDuff (David Bowler Wines) will talk and taste our guests through four beautiful expressions of the Gamay grape. We’ll feature two wines from Beaujolais (one Morgon), as well as one each from the Loire Valley & California. The event will be held in the bar area, where we will offer each of the wines by the glass, a tasting of all four, as well as a special bar snack menu to pair with the wines.

Dinner & Salon du Vin at Townsend
Sommeliers Lauren Harris (Townsend), Mariel Wega (a.kitchen+a.bar) and Gordana Kostovski (Volver), along with restaurantrice Chloé Grigri (The Good King Tavern), and wine importer Megan Storm (Artisan’s Cellar) will host a dinner & salon. Guest of honor is acclaimed writer and natural wine advocate Alice Feiring.

Cooking Class w/ Master Sommelier Christopher Bates at Vetri Upstairs Dining Room
In this intimate cooking class for 12 guests, students will have the opportunity to enjoy a casual atmosphere as Alicia Walter, Private Dining Chef at Vetri, leads a 4-course demonstration dinner that showcases the many uses of wine in cooking. Master Sommelier Christopher Bates will provide wine pairings that feature grapes from his award-winning Finger Lakes establishment, Element Winery.

Friday, March 27

Flights to the Loire Valley at Bardot
Join Sean Faeth from Artisan’s Cellar as he offers flights of French wines selected from the Loire region. Flights will be paired with various cheeses from DiBruno Bros. This evening’s dinner specials will be creations inspired by the featured wines.

Drinkable Arts at Bistro St. Tropez
Uncork your creative side! You choose the glass you would like to paint/design and we provide all materials and help you make your creative design come to life!

A Murder in Paris at London Grill
Murder Mystery Wine Dinner featuring local and imported draught wines paired with a three course menu.

Paradocx Vineyard at Pinot Boutique
Meet and greet with the winemaker from Paradocx Vineyard. PLUS we’ll give you a FREE taste of one of their wines available at Pinot Boutique. If you like what you try, stay a while as wine by the glass will be available for purchase all night.

Antinori Night at Osteria
Enjoy a flight of wines from one of Italy’s greatest houses and learn about them directly from their own in-house expert.

Wine at 9: Dessert Pairings at Paradiso
An after dinner Wine at Nine: 1 Port paired with a chocolate dessert 1 Sherry paired with Cheese from Paradiso’s Cheese Cart.

Freaky Friday Lunch at Tria
Kick off your weekend with funky wines, available at special prices from noon through 4 pm. Up for some sparkling all natural Mauzac from the South of France that strides the line between cider and wine? Or perhaps a rare, mature Semillon produced at the southernmost point of South Africa? Also on the roster: a wild Frank Cornelissen red blend.

Guest Sommelier Tim Mortimer from Jenny & Francois at Vedge
Sommelier Tim Mortimer from Jenny & Francois (importers of some of the best all natural wines) will be on-site to work the floor and talk wine with our guests. We will be opening up some pretty special bottles from the J&F portfolio to offer by the glass throughout our dinner service in both the bar area and in our dining room.

Saturday, March 28

A Tribute to the Music of Serge Gainsbourg at Bardot
This evening will feature a DJ set of vinyl selections of music from the late, great French composer, Serge Gainsbourg. Jason Mulamed of Chalkboard Wine & Spirits will be present to pour magnum bottles and discuss the featured wine of the night, Bernard Vallette, Quatre Saisons 2011. Dinner specials will be prepared to best complement this particular wine.

Route 66 Wine Tasting at Jet Wine Bar
Travel an American Icon and taste something new along the way. We’ll follow Route 66 out of Los Angeles and make roadside stops in Ventura, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, and Lubbock. Expect high-quality, flavorful wines from the relatively dry environments along the route.

High End Flight Night at Osteria
We’ll be digging deep into the cellar and opening up some premium wines that are rarely available by the glass!

The Art of Blending at Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro
Make your own Meritage blend with Lyeth Estates Wines. Wine, afternoon snacks and of course prizes for the best blends.

Vintage Atlantic Wine Festival at Pinot Boutique
The Grand Finale to Wine Week with Live music, catered by Luna Cafe, and the opportunity to meet the winemakers.

Sunday, March 29

A Special Lopez de Heredia Sunday School at Tria
We’re closing PWW ’15 out with a special Sunday School featuring a cult wine geek favorite; Lopez de Heredia Rioja Blanco “Gravonia” from 2005. This is a celebration of one of the best and most traditional producers not only in Spain, but the world as well as proof that white wine can age when crafted by a classic winery.