What's Happening In Washington, DC: March 14, 2016
This week, there are grand tastings of the best food and drink in the city, Virginia winemakers highlight the goods from Central Virginia, and tots can take high tea with their mums and dads.
Park Hyatt Washington to Host March Mini-Masters of Food "Springtime Tea for Two"
It's officially springtime, and that means it's also time for Park Hyatt's Mini-Masters of Food, which celebrates the smaller set of foodies in our area. This Saturday, March 19, from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., children between the ages of five to ten are invited to join Park Hyatt Washington's resident Tea Specialist Christian Eck and Rebecca Czarniecki of Tea with Mrs. B in the Tea Cellar. That's where guests will learn about the intricacies of tea and the proper way to serve and enjoy "High Tea" as it's done in England. Guests will be served sweet and savory treats and sample a variety of teas, including the Queen of England's personal favorite tea. The price is $95 for one adult and one child, all-inclusive, and reservations may be made by email or by calling (202) 419-6620
Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival returns to Charlottesville, Virginia
We have Thomas Jefferson to thank for being the first person to plant Vitis vinifera wine grapes in America so what better way to pay homage to his foresight than by attending the Monticello Wine Trail Festival from Thursday, April 7 to Saturday, April 9. It's a chance to celebrate the best wines of Central Virginia in one place and highlight the wines of the Monticello AVA. More than 25 wineries will be participating including The Monticello Wine Trail Festival will feature more than 25 participating regional wineries and vineyards, including:
Afton Mountain Vineyards Barboursville Vineyards
Blenheim Vineyards Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery
Chestnut Oak Vineyard Delfosse Vineyards and Winery
Early Mountain Vineyards First Colony Winery
Flying Fox Vineyard Gabriele Rausse Winery
Glass House Winery Grace Estate Winery
Jefferson Vineyards Keswick Vineyards
Kilaurwen Winery King Family Vineyards
Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Reynard Florence Vineyard Stinson Vineyards
Stone Mountain Vineyards Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Thursday, April 7: Monticello Cup Awards at the Jefferson Theater
A casual event for wine enthusiasts, focused on the competition for the prestigious Monticello Cup awarded to the best wines of the region. Tickets: $65, Time: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 8: Tastings and Winery-related Events
Individual wineries will host a variety of activities during the day followed by a series of winemaker food/meal/wine pairings and winery related events. Stay tuned for special announcements about which local wineries will be hosting meals!
Saturday, April 9: Grand Tasting Event
Tasting event at nTelos Wireless Pavilion featuring 25 local wineries and live entertainment. Time: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Wine tastings will be limited to one flight of tastings per winery with the purchase of your ticket. General Admission $29.00 (Under 21 $10, ages 12 and under are free) VIP tickets $80.00 and include catered food, an opportunity for sampling exclusive wines from each winery, and early entry at noon. General Admission tickets purchased AFTER April 1 are $35.00 For more information on the Monticello Wine Trail Festival, visit monticellowinetrailfestival.com,
Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, D.C's annual culinary blow out is back and it's being held on Monday, April 4 at the National Building Museum. The annual tasting event will feature the city's top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists united for a cause: making sure all children in this country get the healthy food they need every day. Proceeds from the event benefit No Kid Hungry's efforts to end childhood hunger in America. There are two times, the first, one for VIP/VIP Plus from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. and General Admission from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $120 for General Admission; $175 for VIP; and $275 for VIP Plus and all tickets may be purchased on online.
Summer Whitford is the D.C. Editor and a food, drink and travel writer at The Daily Meal. In addition to lifestyle topics, Summer also writes about culture and the arts at Woman Around Town. You can follow her on Twitter @FoodandWineDiva and on Instagram at thefoodandwinediva