Like many of the oeno- and Franco-philes amongst us, members of Alliance Française de Washington and the French-American Chamber of Commerce are eagerly anticipating their first sips of this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau, the first fruits of the 2013 harvest. 

 

And in celebration of its release, they are throwing a party, Beaujolais and Beyond, at La Maison Française at the Embassy of France on Friday, November 22. Needless to say, it will be a most chichi affair. 

 

For this festive uncorking, there will be music, dancing, light fare from leading DC restaurants, and plenty of French breads, cheeses, pâtés and pastries to go around. Oh, and wine. Lots and lots of wine. 

 

The Beaujolais Nouveau will flow freely, as will other French vintages. Plus there will be a blind taste test for you to flex your sommelier skills, and a raffle for a chance to win a trip to Paris. 

 

The party gets under way at 8 PM, while an exclusive VIP gathering with respected members and personalities from Washington’s political and professional circles starts at 7 PM. Tickets range in price from $60 per person to $500 for a block of 10. Check the Alliance Française de Washington website for ticketing details.