Tasting time: Beijing Beaujolais binge

Prepare your palates for these upcoming events on the Beijing wine circuit. No surprise, Beaujolais Nouveau is the wine du jour - yes, it’s a huge marketing gimmick, but the parties can be fun. For a change of pace, check out the Friday tasting at Sequoia Cafe (Sanlitun), which takes a break from wine this week and has four different Aussie brews for 100 kuai. (Note: The list below is based on email from wine distributors and on that’s Beijing and Beijing Talk magazines. It’s best to double-check details with the organizer.)

November 1-18, Carrefour’s Shuang Jing store (5190-9589)
Autumn wine fair

November 13, 6:30-9 PM, Prego – The Westin Hotel, Financial Street (RMB150)
Allegrini wine tasting; wines include Soave DOC, Chardonnay IGT, Pinot Grigio IGT, Merlot IGT, Bardolino DOC, Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Classico DOC, “La Grola” IGT, Amarone Classic; contact Claudia at claudia.chen@summergate.com to RSVP.

November 15, Le Bistrot Parisien (RMB45 per glass, RMB198 per bottle) 
Beaujolais Nouveau festival, with French performances and a meal by Chef Patrick Pontoizeau. Call 6417-8188 for details.

November 15, 6 PM, Le Baie des Anges (free)
Beaujolais Nouveau event. Call 6657-1605 for details.

November 15, 7 PM, Pekotan Deli & Wine - Central Park, Building 12 (RMB60)
Beaujolais Nouveau launch party by Palette Vino and Pekotan; Domaine du Penlois 2007. To RSVP, call 6533-6605 or email info@palettewines.cn.

November 15, 7-9 PM, The Bookworm (Advance: RMB100, includes three glasses of wine; at the door: RMB120)
Beaujolais Nouveau tasting by Metro and The Bookworm (tickets available at both places)

November 15, 7-10 PM, Kranzler’s Restaurant & Bar – Kempinski Hotel (RMB150)
Beaujolais Nouveau party by Kranzler’s and Summergate; Georges DuBoeuf 2007; call Jessie at 6562-5800 or Mary at 6465-3388, x4105 to RSVP.

November 16, 7 PM, My Humble House (RMB1100RMB)
Vega-Sicilia wine dinner, with Proprietor Pablo Alvarez and Chief Winemaker Javier Ausas; contact Sophie at 5165-5519, x208 or sophie@torres.com.cn to RSVP.

November 16, 6:30 PM, Sequoia Cafe (RMB100, includes four bottles of beer, snacks)
Weekly Friday night tasting at Sequoia Café in Sanlitun. This week features Aussie beer: Victoria Bitter, Cascade Premium, Cascade Light and, from Tasmania, Boags. Join the e-vite list by emailing Frank at frank.siegel@gmail.com.

November 16, 6:30-8:30 PM, Bentos & Berries – Kerry Centre (free)
Beaujolais Nouveau event by Top Cellar. Go here to reserve a spot.

November 16, 7 PM, Justine’s – Jianguo Hotel (RMB688+15%)
E. Guigal wine dinner at Justine’s, with chef Raphael Miloux; contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 for details.

November 17, 5:30 PM, China Lounge (RMB150)
Five American wines with canapes; contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 for details.

November 17, 7-9:30 PM, Cafe Europa (RMB250)
Free-flow Louis Jadot Beaujolais – Villages Nouveau; appetizers by Chef Tal. Contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 to RSVP.

November 22, 7 PM, Capones (RMB500)
“Wines around the World”; Capones and ASC Fine Wines teams up with Chef Marco. Contact Dennis Zhang at dennis@asc-wines.com / 6418-1598, x130 to RSVP.

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