About us
Have you ever felt lost in a wine shop or wished you could banter with a sommelier at a restaurant? Do you want to not only enjoy wine but learn more about it. This group is for all wine lovers, from the novice to the expert. The only requirement to join is a love of wine. Types of events could be exploratory wine tasting where we compare different or unique wine styles, blind tastings, visits to local restaurants and wineries (when it is safe to do so), and general get-togethers to drink and talk wine.
While there are no dues to join, some events might require a cost to attend. For example, if we do an exploratory wine tasting of orange/amber wine then costs will be split among attendees. Similarly, events at restaurants and visits to wineries might require an additional cost to attend.
This group is not affiliated with any brand or business.
Upcoming events
3
Monteleone Wine Dinner
l'ardente restaurant, 200 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, DC, US** Tickets for this event are $231 ($175 + $21 tax + $35 service fee), and can be purchased here. In the special request area, asked to be seated with the DMV Wine Explorers.**
Join us at L’Ardente on May 21 for a special wine dinner featuring Giulia Monteleone of Monteleone, a boutique Sicilian producer rooted on the slopes of Mount Etna.
Through four thoughtfully paired courses, explore the depth and elegance of Etna’s volcanic wines—from crisp, mineral-driven Bianco to layered, expressive Rosso bottlings including Qubba and Rumex. Each pour tells a story of altitude, ash and precision, brought to life by the winemaker herself.
Seats are limited for this one-night experience.
Menu
Bluefin Tuna Crudo | Calabrian Chili Vinaigrette | Avocado | Rice Crispies
Etna Bianco 2025Cuttlefish “Fettuccine” | Uni Butter | Zucchini | Tomato | Chive
Etna Rosso 2022Gemelli Primavera | English Pea Purée | Lettuce & Leeks | White Miso
Etna Rosso “Rumex” 2022Lamb Ribeye | Asparagus | Wild Garlic | Confit Potato | Harissa Jus
Etna Rosso “Qubba” 2022Ricotta Cheesecake | Sangria Cherry Compote
10 attendees
Speak Fluent Wine: Learn How to Taste Like A Professional
Total Wine and More (Potomac), 3901‐3915 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA, US**You must purchase a ticket here. **
Ever find yourself nodding along at a wine tasting, wishing you knew what to actually say — or even what to look for?
This is the evening that changes that.
Speak Fluent Wine is a hands-on tasting experience designed to teach you the exact framework wine professionals use to evaluate what's in the glass. You'll go from "I just know what I like" to understanding *why* you like it — and having the words to say so.
Here's what we'll cover:
?? Sight — What color and clarity reveal before the first sip
?? Nose — How to train your sense of smell and identify aromas with confidence
?? Palate — Decoding what your taste buds are picking up: sweetness, acidity, tannins, body, and finish
?? Structure — How the elements of a wine interact, including how acidity softens sweetness and tames tannins
??? Language — The vocabulary professionals use, demystified and made practicalOnce we've broken down the framework, Total Wine's expert staff will lead a short guided tasting — putting everything you've just learned directly into practice.
Snacks and water will be provided. Cost is $25
No experience necessary. No judgement. Just great wine, a welcoming atmosphere, and the confidence you've been waiting to find.
**You must purchase a ticket here. **
9 attendees
Meet the Winemaker June 30: Shabo Winery of Ukraine
Cheesetique, 2411 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA, US** Tickets are $55 + $6.05 tax + optional gratuity. Click here, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Meet the Winemaker June 30: Shabo Winery of Ukraine". (Confirm the location if prompted.) **
Featured Speaker: Giorgi Iukuridze, Founder of Shabo Winery, will join us to share the story behind one of Ukraine’s most important and forward-thinking producers. With vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to quality, Giorgi has helped shape Shabo into a modern standard-bearer for Ukrainian wine — combining international expertise with a profound respect for local terroir and tradition.
Located near the Black Sea, Shabo benefits from a unique climate that balances sunshine with cooling maritime influence, creating wines that are both expressive and beautifully structured. The winery is known for its exploration of both international varietals and indigenous grapes — offering a perspective that feels at once familiar and entirely new.
We’ll enjoy five wines that showcase the range and identity of Shabo, from lively sparkling to distinctive regional expressions and structured reds:
- Primo Secco Brut NV
- Reserve Telti Kuruk 2023
- Original Dry Rosé 2023
- Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
- Limited Edition Kakhetian Saperavi / Merlot 2023
The wines will be served with five small bites designed for pairing, creating an intimate, educational, and truly memorable evening — and a rare chance to hear directly from the founder of a winery helping define the future of Ukrainian wine.
Please note that the small bites are small bites. I will arrive between 6PM -6:30PM for a lite meal before the event.
3 attendees
Past events
193
