In light of the successes of the NJ and SoCal wine-os on this and other boards, I am proposing that those of us in the DC/MD/NoVA area get together finally.

I think it would be easiest to start by doing something at a restaurant in DC where BYOW (w/corkage) is usually possible. I would also recommend that we do it on a Saturday evening, since I think we might get a better turnout (if people don't hve to worry about work in the morning).

There are a few folks out there that I already know are in the area and are most likely ready to participate, like jaimetown, corkage, dinwiddie and tanninpig (maybe?). Surely there are more of you out there.

We could do a themed event, when we pick a varietal and/or region, and taste them blind (decanters anyone?) to add to the fun.

So, can we do it? Can we show those NJ-Boyz (and Girlz) and the SoCal Posse that us DC Toasters can drink the wine like the best of them?



PS-- I was targeting perhaps late March as our inaugural shindig.

Finally! DC is about to get it's own offline! TJ - As per our conversation, I would love to attend this event, but with the wedding approaching, the schedule is quite packed. However, count me in as a tentative "yes" for late March (22nd or 29th?). I'm open to any format, though I do love blind tastings challenging our wits. Will have to see if the future Mrs. will be up for it - a little Champangne and Pinot Noir will make it easier for her to come!

Thanks for taking the point on this TJ.

As long as us "undecided states" are welcome I'm up for a drive, depending on dates.

Sounds great! PM me with your email address so I can keep you posted. We're looking at late March for the first event, tentatively.

as per my PM to you TJ...I am in for an offline and its about time. Now I guess the fight begins with what wine theme will mark the first event? Cult cab....PN.....?????

I will start figuring out potential 'actual' dates shortly. As for the wine, well, let's see what everyone wants to do. We could make it a mixed bag, allowing any bottle from any vintage. We could keep it all to one varietal. We could keep it to any wine of a specific vintage. We could keep it to a specific region. We could try to get enough different types to match with a dinner, a la the big event in NYC last June.

Anyway, I am open to ideas. The Jersey Boyz tend to go with a varietal theme, which seems to work. But, hey, we do not have to do everything like them either!

Personally, I'd be interested in seeing a Shiraz/Syrah or Cab-blend themed dinner. What do the rest of you think?

well..I am up for any theme....but I must say I am the strongest in Cali Cabernet and Bordeaux....I cannot do much with whites unless we switch to champagne.

I can do Cabs - I also have some Spanish wines, '99 Burgundy (red and white). How about Italians?

Well, maybe a mixed bag might be the best solution. We'll see. Stand by!

We've done a mixed-bad thing a few times (on smaller tastings). Actually, it is very nice. Because, you see/compare the differences in Wines (region/variety/etc...)

latour67 posted on the other board to this idea.

I am not sure if he was serious about offering to attend -- but wouldn't it be COOL?!

Hey stemor -- get him in the car and DRIVE him to DC! You can do it!

i dunno how relevant this is, but it was an email sent to me for your area...


CW would like to invite you to a fantastic tasting of Burgundy wines, conducted by Pierre Henri Gagy, the Managing Director of Maison Louis Jadot.

The tasting will be at La Colline, one of DC's finest French restaurants. There will be four flights of wine, six wines per flight. Appetizer portions will accompany each flight. The night will begin with a Champagne reception.

1st Flight - Whites
2nd Flight - Village Reds
3rd Flight - 1er Cru Reds
4th Flight - Grand Cru Reds


Where: La Colline Restaurant Washington, D.C.

When: Thursday, February 6, 2003 at 7:00pm

Cost: $50 per person (includes tax and gratuities)



Please call our Wine Line for Reservations at 202-966-0445

*Seats are Limited to 50 people and will be confirmed*

TJ -

Depending on the date, I might be interested in making the trip down.
Of course, you folks may not want a chowda eater infringing on your inagural tasting event.

But then again, Stemor never seems to have a problem crashing a tasting, regardless of the location.

I thought you might think about popping down here. I was thinking jb might find an excuse to visit his relatives who live down this way too (mother grandmother?)

I'll keep you posted, too dude.

looks like this is gaining momentum....and can I again vote for a Cali Cab styled event for out first tasting? Might bust out some 80's phelps Eisele vineyard stuff and see if (insert the voice) "....it's alive...."

If you can believe it, LATOUR67 said he was interested in attending this!!!!

For those of you who know the guy, well, you already know how super he is. For those of you that don't, well, if he can make it, you are in for a huge treat!

Now, I am going to toss out two potential dates for this now. Drumroll please!

Saturday March 22 or Saturday March 29.

These are dates that I know will allow one person to most likely attend, and it also will allow me to not miss any Caps games!! BUT, I am waiting to hear back from Latour67 in order to see what date works best for him (and maybe stemor -- who might drive him here!).

I would tend to go for the 29th myself, since that might allow any potential out of towners to come see the Cherry Blossom Festival, too (assuming this crappy Arctic Wind doesn't last until then!!!!).

So, please let me know ASAP as to which date you'd prefer.

After we settle the date, I can work on the proper restaurant. And then we get to think about the best part -- the wine!

Either date would work for me.

Latour67 just said he could make the 29th.so the 29th it is!

Now, I get to see to the details of a restaurant selection. Hmmmmmmmm.

Maybe we can even summon up Dr. Tannin, another Count of QPR! He's just a short ride away!

FYI - I sent you a PM, TJ? OK? RSVP, BtW.

this far out....the 29th works for me.

restaurant and theme?