Beaujolais Nouveau Races into DC

Beaujolais Nouveau is that perky little French wine that celebrates the end of the annual harvest by making its annual debut on the third Thursday in November.  And once again, there are several places in Washington DC to enjoy the fruity and often served-chilled red wine celebrating one of the hallmark wine holidays.

Made from Gamy grapes, this generally simple French table wine is fermented for less than a couple months and released at an elaborate annual Parisian party, as wineries race from the countryside to be the first to deliver their new wine to the restaurants of Pairs.

This year, there are several places to experience the fun and flavor of the Beaujolais Nouveau festival in Washington DC, including parties that start this evening.

Wednesday, November, 17th

• The Breathless Beaujolais Party includes a countdown and uncorking of the new 2010 wines, free wine at midnight, French music and drink specials, all for just a $10 entrance fee. 1905 - 1905 9th Street, NW, Washington DC. (map) Wednesday, November 17 at 9:00 pm.
• Bistro du Coin, my personal favorite French bistro in DuPont Circle gets even louder, wilder and more fun than normally, during its annual Beaujolais party. Complete with free wine after midnight, live French music and a DJ spinning French club music, expect long lines to start around 10:00 pm as the place gets mobbed. Bistro du Coin – 1738 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC.  (map) Wednesday, November 17, 2010, starting around the dinner hour.

Thursday, November 18th

• Beaujolais Nouveau 2010 at the French Embassy is a hugely popular, business-attire party and probably the biggest in the area, drawing Francophiles from around the area.  Embassy of France — 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC. (map)  Thursday, November 18, 2010 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at $70.00.

Friday, November 19th

• l’Alliance Française is another place for a fun Beaujolais party this weekend. The wine and cheese party includes a live French jazz band playing “oldies” music and a raffle to win 2 round trip tickets to Paris. l’Alliance Française – 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (map) Friday, November 19 2010, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Tickets are available online for $35.00.

Images – Flickr – Beaujolais bottle