The bubbly comes out for NYE and is stored for a bit until its grand reappearance at Valentine’s Day! Join Advanced Sommelier Michael Scaffidi in this class centered around bubbly wine. You get butterflies when you’re in love, but did you know that Christopher Merret, the first person to write about sparkling wine in 1662, was also the first person to record a list of British Butterflies? I wonder if the two are related….
Grab your partner, friend, or loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a brief history of Champagne and sparkling wine, specifically British versus the French. You may recognize some of the names you’ll learn about….
Christopher Merret
Dom Perignon
Madame Veuve Cliquot
Taste for different sparkling wines:
One Champagne
One Prosecco
One Pet Nat
One Sparkling Rosé
Other topics will include:
-Tête de Cuvée bubbles – What was the first? Why?
Why is champagne more roasted, toasted, and complex than other forms of sparkling wine?
Autolysis and Lees – why they make bubbly wine delicious
Best bubbles for long-term aging?
What is the future of bubbles?

About Michael Scaffidi: Michael Scaffidi is an Advanced Sommelier who has had a long career as a Sommelier and Wine Director. He has has worked with many prestigious teams including those of The French Laundry, The Greenbier, Union Square Cafe, Jean-George. He considers his father as “the best host I know,” and credits him for teaching him hospitality.
In 2009, he helped open The Jefferson Hotel in Washington, DC where he created the wine and beverage program from the ground up. It was there that he curated a Madeira collection including over 50 offerings by the glass, the oldest of which dated back to the year 1720.
As this class is in-person, we require all attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This class requires at least 6 participants.
If you need assistance registering, please check out these step-by-step instructions, video tutorial or call (202) 549-4172 for assistance.