Toasting to the Finest – Where and how to celebrate National Wine Day in Philadelphia on May 25th.
Raise your glasses and prepare your palates; National Wine Day is just around the corner! This delightful celebration of the beloved beverage has gained immense popularity, enticing wine lovers from all walks of life to come together in a joyful toast. Join us as we dive into the origins of this special day, explore the essence of its celebrations, and uncover several exquisite venues in Philadelphia where wine enthusiasts can commemorate the occasion.
National Wine Day, observed annually on May 25th, emerged as a tribute to the timeless art of winemaking and the enjoyment it brings. While the precise origins of this wine-filled holiday remain elusive, it originated in the United States in 2009, where the rich culture of winemaking and appreciation has flourished for centuries. As wine continues to captivate connoisseurs worldwide, National Wine Day honors its history, diversity, and the dedicated individuals who craft this exquisite libation.
The holiday invites wine enthusiasts to savor and celebrate the vast array of wines available. The festivities can take many forms, from intimate gatherings to grand wine tastings. Wine lovers engage in various activities to commemorate the day, such as hosting wine-themed parties, organizing vineyard visits, participating in educational wine classes, and exploring new varietals. It is a time to share stories, appreciate the complexities of different wine regions, and raise a glass in a collective toast to wine’s joy.
For wine aficionados in Philadelphia, National Wine Day offers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant wine scene. Here are a few notable venues where wine lovers can indulge their senses and revel in the celebration:
Square 1682, a modern American restaurant on the ground level of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, will offer wine pairings featuring Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of curated pairings of wine from the nearby woman-led Kennett Square winery Galer Estate along with contemporary Mid-Atlantic cuisine from Square 1682’s kitchen. Galer Estate wine will also be available on-site by the bottle (and select varieties by the glass), including Rosé, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sparkling Grüner Veltliner. In addition, square 1682 is proud to feature Pennsylvania wines made from locally-sourced Delaware County grapes for a limited time only. Virginia Mitchell, Winemaker and Winery Manager of Galer Estate, will be available in the restaurant starting at 6 pm for guests interested in speaking with her about the wines.
Join the Museum of Illusions and WTSO for “Un-wined Your Mind” on National Wine Day. Explore interactive exhibits and sample six different types of wine at three stations. Tickets are $30, exclusively for guests over 21.
Celebrate National Wine Day at CO-OP Restaurant & Bar from 4 pm to 10 pm. All bottles of wine are half off. Discover the perfect wine for your palate, curated by CO-OP’s Assistant General Manager.
Located in Old City, Forsythia’s bar program is exceptional, thanks to the expertly curated wine selection by Beverage Director Shawn Miller. You can enjoy a glass of 2020 Gamay for just $16, a rare find in Philly. Forsythia also offers a lively happy hour from Wednesday to Friday between 5 pm and 7 pm, as well as on Sundays.
Jet Wine Bar is hosting four exciting days of cocktail-minded programming called “Winetail Week!” From May 24th to May 27th, wine lovers can visit the bar from 6 pm to 8 pm to enjoy a menu of complex and surprising wine-based cocktails courtesy of Lead Bartender Adam Smull. Guests can experience how wines from around the globe are used in unexpected and tasty ways, from a Verdicchio Mojito to a Turkish Pet Nat & Czech Fernet Spritz. Each wine used on the cocktail menu is also available for sipping by the glass.
Celebrate National Wine Day with New Liberty Distillery’s Wine-Finished Whiskey Bundle for just $74.99. This bundle includes the newly released Kinsey Pinot Finished Whiskey and popular Kinsey Chardonnay Whiskey, aged in old wine barrels for added flavors like honey, maple, and wine. You’ll also receive two drink tickets to enjoy wine-finished whiskey cocktails at the recently renovated tasting room. This one-day-only offer is available on May 25th and can be purchased online.
Oloroso, the premier Spanish tapas restaurant, boasts an impressive collection of wines, including a fantastic Sherry program with varieties such as the restaurant’s namesake, Oloroso. Along with their traditional and fortified wine selection, Oloroso offers a happy hour from Wednesday to Sunday between 4:30 and 6:30 pm. During this time, guests can enjoy a glass of La Nevra Wine (white, red, or rosé) for $8 or featured sherries for $6.
The Dutch, a popular eatery that reinvents Pennsylvania Dutch classics, and on National Wine Day, you can enjoy the fan-favorite Oysters & Rosé from predecessor restaurant Fond from 5 to 9 pm at the bar and patio. For just $19 per person, you can savor a half-dozen oysters and a glass of rosé. Plus, you can explore the hyper-seasonal The Dutch After Dark tasting menu while you’re there.
Townsend EPX is a French-inspired restaurant and bar located on East Passyunk Avenue, headed by Chef Townsend Wentz. They offer a carefully selected variety of wines that can be enjoyed by the glass, which pairs perfectly with their contemporary French cuisine during dinner time. The bar area showcases a beautiful cherrywood bar and stays open until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, catering to late-night drinkers and weekend party-goers. Guests can continue to discover and explore their impressive collection of wines even after the kitchen closes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing evening at the mood-lit polished wood bar or a beautiful afternoon on their airy rooftop garden patio, Royal Boucherie has a fantastic selection of wines. Their curated selection includes white, red, rosé, orange, and sparkling vintages perfect for sipping alone or pairing with their delicious contemporary French cuisine. Plus, don’t miss out on happy hour from 4 to 6 pm Monday through Friday, where you can enjoy house wine (white, red, rosé, and sparkling) for just $6 per glass, as well as a variety of specialty cocktails including the popular French 52 made with Beefeater, Crémant Rosé, lemon, and rose water for only $10 each.
National Wine Day is a special occasion for wine lovers, a time to revel in the artistry of winemaking and raise a glass to the passion it inspires. Whether you explore the wine scene in Philadelphia or create your own celebration, let this day be a reminder to appreciate the craftsmanship, stories, and flavors that make wine an enduring source of pleasure.
Cin Cin!
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