12 Must-Attend Philly Wine Week Events

by Drink Philly in Roundups

The second annual Philly Wine Week is almost upon us, which means eight days and nights of exciting tastings, dinners, talks and much more. There are more than enough events planned to keep you busy throughout the whole week, but navigating all of them might get a little tricky. That’s where this list comes in handy. We’ve picked 12 unique events that feature a variety of different wines in a multitude of different settings. Talks, dinners, even a murder mystery are all covered in our handy guide. Cheers!

Week Long Events
Flight Club: Grape vs Grain
Johnny Brendas (1201 N Frankford Ave; 215-739-9684)
Head to Fishtown for a draft showdown exclusive to Philly Wine Week. Draft wine from Gotham Wine Project and draft beer from local breweries are matched up with cheeses and charcuterie in a flight, and you decide which pairs better--grapes or grains. Your ballot will be placed in a drawing to win wine and beer prizes at the end of the week.

Tuesday, March 24
Ten Year Tuesday
4 PM
Tria Rittenhouse (123 S 18th St.; 215-972-7075)
Tria Wash West (1137 Spruce St.; 215-629-9200)
This favorite event speaks for itself. Starting at 4 PM, enjoy two, decade-old wines for $10 each. This year, Tria is featuring an elegant and minerally ‘05 Muscadet from Domaine Michel Brégon, a celebrated producer in France’s lush Loire Valley, as well as a savory Spanish ‘05 Rioja Crianza from Ramón Bilbao.

He Said "PA Beer," She Said "PA Wine"
6:30 PM
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400)
Cast your vote in the great drinks debate, as local wines and beers go head to head in this pairing-themed taste off. Wine author and sommelier Marnie Old, speaking on behalf of the Pennsylvania Winery Association, will square off against Bill Covaleski, of Victory Brewing Co., as each seeks to have their drink triumph as the people’s choice for best local food partner. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner with rival drink pairings, plus a reception exploring the full range of what Pennsylvania wines and beers have to offer.

Wednesday, March 25
Sherry Cocktails and Tapas Tasting
Jamonera (105 S 13th St.; 215-922-6061)
Head to this 13th Street wine bar for a unique sherry tasting experience. Three sherry cocktails will be mixed up using house-made ingredients and paired with Spanish tapas. Dishes include cana de cabra and date compote bocadillos, grilled shrimp pinxtos and bbq pork cocas.

Wines of Washington State
6:30–8 PM
Panorama (14 N Front St.; 215-922-7800)
Head to Old City’s favorite wine bar, Panorama, for an evening devoted to the wines of Washington State. Thom Horsey, a national wine educator, will lead a seminar and tasting featuring 14 Hands Merlot, NorthStar Merlot, Spring Valley Vineyard Nina Lee Syrah, wines from Chateau Ste Michelle and more.

Wine & Food Pairing Competition
6:30 PM
Walnut Hill College (4207 Walnut St.; 215-222-4200)
Student teams are tasked with finding the best wines to pair with each course of a four-course dinner. Each course will feature a wine tasting from each competing team, and while you dine, the teams will strive to persuade you that their particular selection is the best wine for the course. You will have the opportunity to weigh in with the experts and help determine the best pairings.

Thursday, March 26
FLX Wienery Pop-Up with Master Sommelier Christopher Bates
6:30 PM
Alla Spina (1410 Mount Vernon St.; 215-600-0017)
Chef and Master Sommelier Christopher Bates won the International Best Young Sommelier competition and recently opened an amazing "Modern Hot-Doggery" called FLX Wienery in Finger Lakes, NY. For Philly Wine Week, Bates has agreed to take over Alla Spina for one night with an array of highlights from his casual wine country eatery's incredible menu. Reservations are recommended, but also feel free to drop in for a bite at the bar.

Dinner & Salon du Vin: An Evening of Intense Conversation & Drinking with Alice Feiring
7–10 PM
Townsend (1623 E Passyunk Ave.; 267-639-3203)
Join natural wine expert Alice Feiring, along with Lauren Harris, Mariel Wega, Chloe GriGri and Megan Storm for an evening of discussion and drinking. A five-course dinner will be served with pairings selected by the special guests. If you want to keep the conversation rolling and the wines flowing, specials guests from this dinner will move to Good King Tavern for a late night happy hour featuring a large group of Philly's female beverage professionals. Senza Trucco will also be screened.

Friday, March 27
A Murder in Paris: An Improv Murder Mystery Wine Dinner
6:15 PM Cocktails, 7 PM Dinner
London Grill & Paris Wine Bar (2302 Fairmount Ave.; 215-978-4545)
Get your tickets now for the an exciting evening of murder, mystery and wine. London Grill and Paris Wine Bar are hosting an Improv Murder Mystery Wine Dinner featuring local and imported draught wines paired with a three-course menu on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27.

Offbeat Wine Series Part 3: Grapes Unknown in Piedmont with Levi Dalton
5–7 PM
A. Bar (135 S 18th St.; 215-600-0017)
Host of the industry favorite "I'll Drink to That!" podcast and one the world's foremost authorities on the great winemaking region of Piedmont, Italy, Levi Dalton will be sharing some rare and unique gems at a meet-and-greet during Happy Hour at A.Bar.

Saturday, March 28
The Art of Blending

2–4 PM
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro (129 S 13th St.; 215-922-3095)

Head to Vintage Wine Bar for an afternoon of learning, blending and sipping with Lyeth Estates Wine. Guests will be able to make his or her own Meritage blend. Prizes will even be awarded for best blends at the end of the class. Guests will enjoy light snacks to accompany an afternoon of wine tasting and blending.

Route 66 Wine Tasting

2–4 PM
Jet Wine Bar (1525 South St.; 215-735-1116)

Travel the iconic American Route 66 and taste something new along the way. This tasting follows Route 66 out of LA, making stops in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.Guests will enjoy five wines from along Route 66, and light snacks will also be provided.

Photo via Flickr