What's Happening In Washington, DC: June 1, 2015

This week's line-up is a case of tipples, taps, totaling, and tips on cake and the plethora of drink-related activities is proof we are living up to our stats that show, per capita, that we D.C. residents consume more alcoholic beverages than any other city in America. If you love beer, there's a great tasting/learning session about women in beer, the Rhone Rangers are riding into town for their annual tasting and special winemaker dinner, and Summerfest is awash in beer, cider, and wine.

Heurich House Hosts All 'Ale The Ladies: A Tasting and Discussion Celebrating Women in Craft Beer
Craft beer is not just made by bearded fellows wearing plaid flannel shirts, there are women making craft beer, too. In fact, and we have our own local pioneering women making craft beer in and around D.C. On Thursday, June 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., local beer writer Tammy Tuck will introduce you to some of the women brewing local beer and provide an overview of women's role in the craft beer movement. The event will be held at the Heurich House Museum, which was once the home of the District's most successful brewer, Christian Heurich. For just $10 per person you can sample two rare craft beers, enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, meet the guest brewers, and take a tour of the museum.

Park Hyatt Hosts Mini-Masters of Food & Wine Event: The Art and Joy of Cake Decoration
If you have a little one that fancies being a chef, consider signing them up for a hands-on cake decorating class with Blue Duck Tavern pastry chef, Naomi Gallego. Considered one of Washington's most talented pastry chefs, Gallego will lead her mini students as part of the Park Hyatt's first Mini-Masters of Food & Wine, "a seasonal culinary and beverage experience for young chefs." On Saturday, June 13, 2 to 5 p.m., mini chefs between the ages of 8 and 12 can create their own sweet masterpiece and then enjoy the fruits of their labors, paired with ice cream, along with some light snacks. Aprons will be provided and tickets are $35 per child.

Pre-Prohibition Cocktail Class at Silo
On Saturday, June 6 at 4 p.m., Reza Akhavan, owner of Silo restaurant, will be leading an interactive, pre-prohibition cocktail class that is sure to whet your whistle. Silo is known for their fresh take on local, seasonal, American fare so this session should be entertaining and tasty. In class, you will learn how to prepare four unique cocktail recipes, discover the history of each drink, and learn about the origins of each recipe's base liquor. Tickets are $58 per person and may be purchased online.

Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting
Saddle up your glasses wine-lovers, the Rhone Rangers are coming to town and they've brought mighty fine wine with them. Hosted at The Long View Gallery on Thursday, June 18, this Grand Tasting will feature more than 80 premium producers and is a chance to meet some of the winemakers too. There are two price points and sessions, and we have a special offer for you, our Daily Meal readers: The VIP reception is $90 per person in advance, runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., and includes a selection of appetizers provided by Spilled Milk Catering (sorry, no day of ticket sales).  General Admission tickets are $55 in advance, $65 at the door, and the tasting session runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Enter the code HappeningDIVA at checkout and receive $18 off the VIP tickets, and $10 off general admission. Happy tasting!

Rhone Ranger Winemaker Dinner at Willow Restaurant
On Friday, June 19, from 5:30 to 9:29 p.m., Willow Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia will host a special dinner featuring ten Rhone Ranger winemakers and their wines paired with small plates of French and Italian specialties prepared by chef/owners Tracy O'Grady and Kate Jansen. Tickets are $95 per person plus, tax, gratuity, and ticket fees and can be purchased online. O'Grady and Jansen have a laid-back approach to fine food that's never fussy and always fun — plus a portion of the proceeds go to support the Rhone Rangers Les Dames d'Escoffier Travel Study Grant. 

Summerfest DC Beer & Wine Festival
We can't think of a better way to celebrate the official start of summer in D.C. than by attending a beer and wine festival — and Summerfest is the place to go. The party is on Saturday, June 13, noon to 10 p.m. and will be held at The Fairgrounds in Southeast D.C., right across from Nationals Stadium. If you buy your tickets in advance the cost is $35 per person, but the closer we get to the date prices increase and ticket availability dwindles. For the price of $35, you will:
·         Receive a commemorative tasting glass
·         Sample more than 100 craft beers and 30 wines
·         Sample cider and gluten-free drinks
·         Be able to purchase and sample food from 15 different vendors
·         Have the chance to participate in games, arts, and other activities
·         Enjoy live music acts

Summer Whitford is the D.C. City Guide Editor at The Daily Meal and the DC Wine Examiner. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva.