German Wine Society DC Chapter

Weinbach Tasting - One of Alsace's Most Famous Producers
2017-01-28 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | Home of Christian and Annette Schiller, 6404 Woodsong Ct, McLean, VA, 22101, United States
Happy New Year! We are excited to present a unique tasting on Saturday 28 January that will feature the new 2015 portfolio from the famous Alsatian producer, Weinbach. German Wine Society Vice President, Christian Schiller, and Annette Schiller have graciously opened their doors to host this tasting at their home in Virginia. We will begin tasting at 4:00pm, Saturday 28 January 2017 and attendance will be limited to 16 people. There is no metro access to this location, so attendees will either need to drive or arrange for a car to pick them up. Here is the address and phone number: 6404 Woodsong Ct McLean, VA 22101 703-462-8672 Light refreshments of cheese and baguette will be served with the wines and we will serve sparkling wine during the beginning of the tasting while attendees are arriving. Here is the complete list of wines for the tasting: 2015 Weinbach Sylvaner 2015 Weinbach Pinot Blanc Reserve 2015 Weinbach Pinot Gris 2015 Weinbach Muscat Reserve 2015 Weinbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo 2015 Weinbach Gewurztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru 2015 Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo 2015 Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Ste Catherine Event cost is $35 for all attendees, members and non-members alike. All payment must be received by Monday 23 January. You can only register for this event on our website and making a payment by Paypal. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them. The event coordinator is German Wine Society board member, Joe Aguiar. Please send any questions to him at josephlaguiar@gmail.com.

Register for this Event

Holiday Party at the Cosmos Club
2016-12-09 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Registration for this event is closed. Ho Ho Ho, German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wines, It’s nearly time to hang the stockings and dream of nice German wine…… So, please plan to attend the GWS holiday paired dinner at the Cosmos Club, Friday, December 9, 2016, starting at 7 p.m. We are very fortunate to have access to this lovely venue again this year. The address for our holiday dinner is 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008. Metro is near and parking is ample. The venue is stunning: a private room, the Members Dining Room, in this landmark building. Perfect for that special evening with friends and family! The paired dinner: an exciting variety of German, and Austrian wines ranging from Trocken through Auslese styles and covering a variety of appellations ( Rheinhessen, Franken, Pfalz, Mosel & Austrian Weinviertal Sparkler ). Here is the menu: Reception: NV Ewald Gruber Punkt Genau, Grüner Veltliner sparkling wine (Weinviertal) Starter: Pumpkin Salad with baby kale, pomegranate seeds, apple cider vinaigrette 2015 Weingut Keller Grüner Silvaner Trocken (Rheinhessen) Entrée: Roasted Arctic Char w/ butternut squash coulis, wild mushroom risotto, baby carrot and haricot verts; hot popovers 2013 Von Winning Riesling Trocken (Pfalz) 2012 Furst Burgstadter Spätburgunder (Franken) Dessert: Key Lime Pie w/ fresh berries & coulis Coffee 2005 Zilliken Ockfener Bockstein Auslese (Mosel) 2009 Studert-Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese (Mosel) Coffee and Tea Club parking is off Florida Ave. behind the club. There is a small white sign showing the parking entrance. Parking is free and there is no tipping at the club including the valet parking. Parking is limited and Club members have preference. It is highly advisable to get there early in case there are numerous functions going on at the club that evening. Dress code is strict, coats and ties for men, no jeans or tennis shoes. Comparable attire for women. Dinner is $110 for members, $120 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is Dec 3 so that we may provide Chef the count. This promises to be a wonderful event so send off your reservations right away and don’t miss out. There are now two ways to join the fun. You can register by clicking the button below and using Paypal. Alternatively you can send your check (payable to the German Wine Society) to: Michael FritzeGerman Wine Society 1602 Greenbriar Court Reston, VA 20190 Please include name, number of guests, email, and phone number. Also include if you wish to select the vegetarian option for dinner. GWS and COSMOS club member Dean Collins has kindly offered to once again give tours of the historic COSMOS building prior to this event. If you are interested, please arrive one hour early in order to take part. Event Coordinators: Mike Fritze (m_fritze@yahoo.com) Joe Aguiar (jospehlaguiar@gmail.com) All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Register for this Event

Rieslings of Austria, France, and Germany
2016-11-18 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Van Ness Room, 3001 Veazey Terrace NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Registration for this event is closed.Calling all Riesling lovers! We are excited to welcome Warren Leonard from Weygandt Wines on Friday November 18th at 7:00pm, to sample Rieslings from Austria, Alsace, and Germany. GWS member Dave Wendler and board member Joe Aguiar, who have both organized events for us before (Dave often handles New Vintages, and Joe recently presented World Rieslings), are planning this event. We will open the event with a brief educational discussion on the wine labelling and winemaking terminologies used on wine bottles in Austria, Alsace, and Germany and then Warren will walk us through each wine. It will be a great opportunity to compare and contrast the nuances and differences between different climates, terroirs, and winemaking methods. Warren will walk us through the whole spectrum of Riesling styles…and by the end you will be an expert in deciphering the labels of Europe’s great Rieslings and more importantly, will be able to see the differences (if you’ve not had the pleasure already!) in style achieved by the Riesling grape. The tasting will be held in at:The Van Ness Room 3001 Veazey Terrace NW Washington, DC 20008It is very easy to get to there via the red line to Van Ness Metro Station. Thank you to GWS member, Klaus Teuter, for reserving the Van Ness room for use by the German Wine Society. Light refreshments of cheese and crackers will be served with the wines. We will feature 12 wines from: Austria’s famous Wachau and Kamptal regions, Alsace Grand Cru, and Germany’s Pfalz and Mosel regions. Here is the full wine list: Austria 2013 Federspiel Franz Hirtzberger Steinerterrassen, Wachau 2012 Smaragd Franz Hirtzberger Setzberg, Wachau 2013 Federspiel FX Pichler Loibner Burgstall, Wachau 2013 Smaragd FX Pichler Loibner Loibenberg, Wachau 2012 Pichler Krutzler Loibenberg, Wachau 2010 Birgit Eichinger Heiligenstein Reserve, Kamptal DAC Alsace, France 2014 Henry Fuchs, Kirchberg de Ribeauville Alsace Grand Cru 2015 Domaine Albert Mann, Furstentum Alsace Grand Cru Germany 2014 Grosses Gewachs Weingut Rebenhof Urziger Wurzgarten, Mosel 2012 Trocken Heymann-Lowenstein Kirchberg, Mosel 2014 Spatlese Markus Huls Steffensberg, Mosel 2012 Grosses Gewachs Georg Mosbacher Riesling Ungenheuer Forst, Pfalz Event cost is $45 for members and $52 for non-members. Registration must be received by Monday 14 November. You can register and pay for the event in either of two ways. You can click the registration button below and sign up online or you can pay by check. If you pay by check, please have it made out to the German Wine Society, and mail the check and registration form to: Mike Fritze 1602 Greenbriar Court Reston, VA 20190 Whether registering by mail or online, please be sure to provide the names of all persons for whom you are registering, and to pay the appropriate price depending on whether the person is a member (with annual dues paid), or a non-member. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them. The event coordinator is German Wine Society board member, Joe Aguiar.

Register for this Event

The New Germany from an American perspective: Red, Dry, Sparkling
2016-10-28 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Old Europe Restaurant, 2434 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
Registration for this event has closed.After a long absence, the GWS will return to Old Europe Restaurant in Georgetown. Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and long-standing member of the GWS, will conduct a tasting entitled: “The New Germany – Red, Dry, Sparkling.” Annette will present 3 red wines, 1 Sekt (sparkling wine) and 5 dry and 1 “halbtrocken” white wines from 9 out of the 13 wine regions in Germany. The tasting also includes 2 Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru) wines. Germany is increasingly becoming known as a serious red wine producer; Germany is the #3 producer world-wide of Pinot-Noir (= Spätburguder). Germans have always been obsessed with sparkling wines: 1 out of 4 sparklers produced in the world is consumed in Germany; and Germany is home to the second largest sparkling wine producer world-wide. In terms of white wine Germany is known for its Rieslings. Yes, it is the #1 Riesling producer world-wide, but also the #1 Pinot-Blanc (Weissburgunder) and #2 Pinot-Gris (Grauburgunder) producer. All presented winemakers, Annette knows personally. She has visited all of them on one of the wine tours to Germany (Germany-East, Germany-South and Germany-Nord). Annette will share memories from these visits. In terms of food, we are trying a new concept to better cater to people who arrive hungry straight from the office. Cindy O. Herold, the Chef and Owner of Old Europe Restaurant, will spoil us with a sumptuous Wine Tasting Buffet, composed of a variety of typical German dishes: * German bread basket presented with “Kräuterbutter”-garlic herb butter and “Schmalz”, * assorted cheese platter with house made “Obazda”-Bavarian style beer cheese, * fresh fruits and crackers, * “Bunte Schnittchen”-assorted cold cut canapes presented with deviled eggs, * “Fleischpflanzl”-Bavarian style bite size meatballs garnished with cornichons, * “Kartoffelpuffer”-potato pancakes served with apple sauce and sour cream, * Germany’s most loved sausages: Bratwurst, Bauernwurst, Weißwurst, Knockwurst and Debreziner Wurst presented with sauerkraut, apple red cabbage, mustard trio and Berlin style curry ketchup, * petite chicken Schnitzel “Wiener Art”-Vienna style served with warm German potato salad, * “Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesoße”-apple strudel served with vanilla sauce. There will be coffee serviced with the dessert course. In addition, Old Europe will set up a cash bar for guests that might like a drink before or after the tasting event. Also, guests are more than welcome to order from the à la carte menu before or after the event. Old Europe is located in Georgetown at 2434 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC. There is ample parking in the side street behind the Old Europe. The Wines: RED 2014 Spätburgunder Unplugged, Kreuzberg Ahr 2012 Spätburgunder , Schloss Proschwitz GG, Schloss Proschwitz Sachsen 2012 Lemberger, SchnaitmannWürttemberg SEKT 2012 Riesling Sekt, Extra Brut, F.B.SchönleberRheingau WHITE 2014 Riesling, trocken, Schloss NeuweierBaden 2013 Riesling, Alte Reben, trocken, Von OetingerRheingau 2013 Riesling, Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Von Winning Pfalz 2013 Weissburgunder, Karsdorfer Hohe Gräte GG, Lützkendorf Saale-Unstrut 2011 Schmitt’s Kinder, Scheurebe, Randersacker Sonnenstuhl, Spätlese TrockenFranken 2012 Riesling, Enkircher Steffensberg, Grosse Lage, Immich-Batterieberg Mosel The price for this event will be $55 for members and $62 for non-members. Reservations must be received by Monday, October 24, 2016. All Society members are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers, or rely on public transportation or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than finish the wines when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. The event coordinator is Christian Schiller, Vice-President of the Board of the GWS Capital Chapter. You can register and pay for the event in either of two ways. You can register by clicking the button below and make payment by Paypal. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. You can also pay by check, made out to the German Wine Society, and mailed to: Mike Fritze1602 Greenbriar Court, Reston, VA 20190 Whether registering by mail or online, please be sure to provide the names of all persons for whom you are registering, and to pay the appropriate price depending on whether the person is a member (with annual dues paid), or a non-member.

Register for this Event

Oktober Weinfest
2016-09-30 18:30 - 22:00 UTC | German Embassy House, 1900 Foxhall Road N.W., Washington, DC, 20007, United States
Dear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine, JOIN US FOR OKTOBER WEINFEST AT THE GERMAN EMBASSY! In Germany Oktoberfest is celebrated beginning in September, and so we are returning to the German Embassy House for our Oktober Weinfest on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm. The Embassy House doors will open at 6:30 pm for registration of guests, and to allow you to enjoy some welcoming sekt early on the outdoor patio of the House (weather permitting) before the main tasting begins. The theme of our Oktober Weinfest this year is a tour of the diversity of wines of Germany, and so we will have fifteen wines, including a mixture of Rieslings, non-Riesling white wines (Scheurebe, Silvaner, Rieslaner), and red wines (Spatburgunder, Trollinger), with TEN of the thirteen regions available for you to enjoy — the Mosel, Ahr, Nahe, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Franken, Pfalz, Baden, Mittelrhein and Württemberg. There will be trockens, Kabinett, and Spatlese wines in the main part of the tasting, followed by three Riesling Auslese wines with dessert. Wines will be poured for you by our own experienced members, who have been to a number of these regions. Rarely does the opportunity arise to experience so many of these wine regions together at one time – these are all of the German wine regions that export to the United States! Together with these wines, we will have an ample buffet of delicious German-style foods. The price for this very special event will be $88 for members, and $98 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as early as possible, as this event is expected to be very popular. We will be limiting attendance to 50 guests, to ensure that everyone can best enjoy the event. Reservations must be received by Monday, September 26, 2015, for Embassy security – no late reservations can be accepted. Weather permitting, the Embassy House terrace will be open for you to relax with your welcoming Sekt and savor the wines. We anticipate Embassy personnel to be present for our event as well. The evening will unfold as follows: WELCOME: “Dr. L” Sparkling Riesling nv Cheese Board – array of domestic and international cheeses, arranged with an assortment of crusty bread and crackers MAIN EVENT: DINNER AND TASTING OF GERMAN RIESLINGS, NON-RIESLING WHITES, AND REDS The Rieslings Nahe: Schaefer Froelich 2012 Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spätlese Mittelrhein: 2012 Weingut Florian Weingart Bopparder Hamm Engelstein Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Rheingau: Kunstler 2012 Rüdesheimer Riesling Trocken The Non-Riesling Whites Rheinhessen: Weingut Keller 2015 Gruner Silvaner Trocken Franken: Wirsching 2014 Kronsberg Iphofer Scheurebe Kabinett Trocken Pfalz: Muller-Catoir 2012 Herzog Rieslaner Spatlese Nahe: Kruger Rumpf 2013 Scheurebe Spatlese The Reds Ahr: Meyer-Näkel 2014 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Mosel: Ulrich Stein 2012 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Estate Baden: Shelter Winery 2012 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Württemberg: 2013 Weingut Knauss Trollinger Trocken Selection of Bratwurst, Knockwurst and Weisswurst Sauerkraut Geschmorter Rotkohl (braised red cabbage) Kässpatzen (“cheese sparrows”, small cheese-covered dumplings) Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) Garden Salad with Romaine, Bibb and Watercress Assorted Pretzel and Pumpernickel Rolls DESSERT: Mosel: Dr. Thanisch 2012 Bernkasteler Doktor Riesling Auslese Nahe: Schaefer Froelich 2005 Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Auslese Rheingau: Schloss Schoenborn 1993 Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg Riesling Auslese Apple Strudel Coffee and Tea available from buffet The German Embassy House is located at 1900 Foxhall Road N.W. A limited amount of parking is available on nearby streets off Foxhall Road. Guests should plan to arrive by driving, taxi or the the nearest bus lines (D6 is closest, walk uphill on Foxhall). Guests should enter through the main Embassy entrance on Reservoir Road where they can check in. Only those guests with a disability should go through the Foxhall Road entrance. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol where such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Event coordinator: Carl Willner, 301-216-2531, carl.willner1@verizon.net You can register and pay for this event in one of two ways. Members and guests can still send in a check, as in the past, to the German Wine Society. Please include names of members and guests, amount enclosed, and a telephone & email contact. You can send the check to:Mike Fritze, German Wine Society, 1602 Greenbriar Court, Reston, VA You can alternatively register for events using Paypal by clicking the “Register for this Event” button below. You will need to set up a GWS account on our website to register, if you have not already done so for past events, and also have a Paypal account ready to use for payment. Register for this Event

Field Trip to Otium Cellars
2016-07-30 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Rd, Purcellville, VA, 20132, United States
Get ready for a summer field trip! The Capital Chapter of the German Wine Society is making a field trip to Otium Cellars in beautiful Loudoun county. The German owner of Otium Cellars, Gerhard Bauer, specializes in German/Austrian varietals including Grauburgunder, Grüner Veltliner, Spätburgunder, Lemberger and Dornfelder. He also runs an on-site equestrian facility that breeds world class Hanoverian horses. There is also a working farm with pigs, chickens and ducks. And the setting is quite picturesque to boot. Perfect for aromatic lighter weight summer wine tasting. This is a very special event, the first of its kind at Otium. Visitors will get a winery/vineyard tour followed by narrated educational tasting of 9 wines in three flights. The flights will be: #1: BLAUFRÄNKISCH (LEMBERGER) BECK BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2013 (Austria) HEINRICH BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2013 (Austria) OTIUM CELLARS BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2014 (Virginia) #2: DORNFELDER NONNENKELLER DORNFELDER QBA 2014 (Germany) SCHNEIDER NIER DORNFELDER TR 2011(Germany) OTIUM CELLARS DORNFELDER 2014 (Virginia) #3: GRUNER VELTLINER LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER LANGENLOIS 2014 (Austria) STEINFELD GRÜNER VELTLINER 2014 (Austria) OTIUM CELLARS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2015 (Virginia) There will also be a catered German lunch for this event. The menu for the lunch is as follows and will be self serve, buffet style. The 4 side dishes will be available for everyone to ‘pick two’ the day of: Sausage Platter with 3 types of Sausages (Bratwurst, Kielbasa and Weisswurst) with Sauerkraut Side dishes ~ Warm Potato Salad with Local Bacon ~ Sautéed Herb Spaetzle ~ Purple Cabbage and Red Onion Cole Slaw ~ Marinated Tomato Salad The tasting will be held at Otium Cellars in Loudoun County. The address is: Otium Cellars18050 Tranquility Rd Purcellville, VA 20132 Directions are available from the website at: https://www.otiumcellars.com/ Otium is about a 70 min drive from downtown DC. We assume most folks can find their own way there. Please let us know if you might be interested in a minibus from DC. If so, make sure to let me know by email (if registering online) or by the form below (if registering by snailmail). If we get enough interest, we will make arrangements for minibus transportation and let you know the cost. We hope to see you at this truly unique tasting & touring event! Event cost is $45 for members and $54 for non-members. (Not including bus transportation) The signup deadline is July 27. You can register and pay for this event via Paypal by clicking the button below. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Fritze at m_fritze@yahoo.com.You can also pay by mailing a check with names of attendees, total amount enclosed, telephone, and email contact. Please mail the information to: Mike Fritze1602 Greenbrier CourtReston, VA 20190All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them.

Register for this Event

World of Rieslings Tasting
2016-06-26 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Calling all Riesling lovers! The Riesling grape is of course a favorite of the German Wine Society, but many places around the world also grow Riesling to great acclaim in a variety of styles ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. On Sunday June 26th at 2:00pm, join the German Wine Society as we sample Rieslings from around the world and see how this grape that comes from Germany has become a favorite for winemakers, sommeliers, critics, and consumers around the world! The tasting will be held at the Harbour Square Club Room. The address for our tasting is 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024 and will be June 26th at 2:00pm. It is very easy to get to and park there. Marilyn Scarbrough has thoughtfully reserved a few spaces in her complex’s visitors parking, but we cannot guarantee that these will be available. Metro is very accessible via Waterfront Metro Station on the Green Line. Joe Aguiar is organizing the event and will present the wines. We will feature 9 wines from the following regions: Michigan, California, New York, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Luxembourg, Serbia, and of course, Germany. Light refreshments of cheese and crackers will be served. Here is the full wine list, which will be given in 5 flights: Flight 1, “They Grow Riesling There?” 2014 Paul Cluver (Elgin, South Africa) 2013 Bernard-Massard Grand Premier Cru (Cotes de Grevenmacher, Luxembourg) Flight 2, “USA!” 2013 Black Star Farms’ “Arcturos” (Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan) 2014 Dr. Frank (Finger Lakes, New York) Flight 3, “Same Year, Same Grape, Different Wines” 2009 Margvs Margi (Zupa, Serbia) 2009 Pewsey Vale “Contours” Single Vineyard (Eden Valley, Australia) Flight 4, “Sweetness” 2012 Spreitzer’s Oestricher Lenchen Spätlese (Rheingau, Germany) 2014 Margerum (Santa Barbara County, California) Flight 5, “Luscious Nectar” 2013 Seifried “Sweet Agnes” Late Harvest (Nelson, New Zealand) Event cost is $38 for members and $45 for non-members. You can register and pay for this event via Paypal by clicking the button below. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Aguiar at josephlaguiar@gmail.com. You may also pay by check (please include name, total number of guests [and their names], email, telephone number, and total enclosed). Please make all checks payable to “German Wine Society” and mail them to: Mike Fritze 1602 Greenbrier Court Reston, VA 20190 All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them.

Register for this Event

Spargelfest 2016
2016-05-20 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Cafe Mozart, 1331 H St NW, Washington, DC, 20005, United States
Dear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine,

We are at that time of year again for our traditional Spargelfest dinner, one of our two annual seated wine dinner events. This year, as in 2013 and 2014, we will hold the Spargelfest at Cafe Mozart, a long-established German restaurant in Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 20, starting at 7 p.m. The price for the event will be $99 for members and $109 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as soon as possible, as seating is limited. The deadline for making a reservation is May 17.

We’ll celebrate this annual event beginning with a sparkling wine, followed by a four-course dinner with various preparations of white and green asparagus and other dishes, paired with seven other German, Austrian and Alsatian white wines, concluding with an Eiswein. We have designed this meal using five wines from Cafe Mozart and three we have obtained ourselves to match the bountiful variety of dishes that Cafe Mozart is offering us, in this delicious dinner combining familiar Spargelfest dishes such as asparagus wrapped in ham with others created for us by Cafe Mozart’s chef. Some dishes will be plated and others served family-style, allowing guests to choose what they prefer from the options available. For those who attended the Spargelfests at Cafe Mozart in 2013 or 2014, this year’s dinner promises to be just as varied and delicious, and will include some new dishes we have not tried before. Also, there will be live musical entertainment!

Welcoming Sekt: “Dr. L” Loosen Riesling, Mosel, Germany

FIRST COURSE – Appetizers

Golden beets-asparagus (green + white) salad with a horseradish vinaigrette

Westphalian ham wrapped white asparagus

2014 Anton Bauer Gmoerk Gruener Veltliner Trocken, Wagram, Austria 2014 Hans Wirsching Iphoefer Silvaner Trocken, Franken, Germany

SECOND COURSE – Soup

Cream of green asparagus with parmesan croutons

2013 St. Ludwin Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany

2013 Willm Riesling, Alsace, France

THIRD COURSE – Main Dishes

Mini beef rouladen stuffed with bacon-onion and asparagus braised in a mustard infused sauce

Fried pork filet medallions

Grilled skewer of assorted German sausages (weiss-brat-smoked-knackwurst)

Array of boiled and grilled white and green asparagus served with sauce hollandaise and sauce choron (tomato based sauce)

Sides: buttered tomato spaetzli, mushroom-corn ragout

2013 Dr. Thanisch Erben Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany

2008 St. Ludwin Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany

FOURTH COURSE – Dessert and choice of coffee or tea

Choice of German truffle cake or German Black Forest cake

2010 J&H Selbach Riesling Eiswein, Mosel, Germany

Cafe Mozart is centrally located at 1331 H Street N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C., and is readily accessible to Metro, with the closest stations being McPherson Square and Metro Center. Parking is limited on the street, but various parking garages are also available nearby. The restaurant is behind the German deli at the entrance.

All Society members are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers, or rely on public transportation or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than finish the wines when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

The event coordinator for the Spargelfest is Carl Willner, President of the Board of the GWS Capital Chapter.

You can register and pay for the event in either of two ways. You can click the registration button below and make payment by Paypal. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. You can also pay by check, made out to the German Wine Society, and mailed to Mike Fritze at 1602 Greenbriar Court, Reston, VA 20190 (please be sure to include a contact number). Whether registering by mail or online, please be sure to provide the names of all persons for whom you are registering, and to pay the appropriate price depending on whether the person is a member (with annual dues paid), or a non-member.

Register for this Event

Luxembourg Embassy Wine Tasting
2016-04-08 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Luxembourg Embassy, 2200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Registration for this event is closed.

THE GERMAN WINE SOCIETY RETURNS TO THE EMBASSY OF LUXEMBOURG!

Dear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine,

We will once again be at the beautiful Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington, D.C. for our next tasting on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 7 pm. Many of you will remember our very successful events at the Embassy of Luxembourg in 2011 and 2013, and this provides us with another exciting opportunity to try the varied wines of the “other Mosel,” the Moselle River in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Our host for this evening, as at our 2013 event, will be Ambassador Jean-Louis Wolzfeld, who is nearing the end of his tour of duty in the United States this summer, so this event also provides us with the opportunity to thank him a final time for his gracious hospitality to our Society.

Wines for this event will include:

Bernard Massard Cuvee de l’Ecusson Brut Blanc
Bernard Massard Cuvee de l’Ecusson Brut Rose
2013 Bernard Massard Grand Premier Cru Riesling
2012 Bernard Massard Vin de Qualite Rivaner
2014 Bernard Massard Grand Premier Cru Auxerrois
2014 Bernard Massard Grand Premier Cru Pinot Gris
2014 Clos des Rochers Grand Premier Cru Pinot Blanc

In addition, the Embassy is likely to, as at our last event, supply some wines from its own cellar for the event, produced from the State Domain — ones that are not available for public sale but used only for events hosted by theLuxembourg government and its embassies. And throughout the evening, the Embassy will be serving light refreshments to accompany the wines.

And as a final treat, we will have some older vintages and Luxembourg specialty wines, such as Vendange Tardive (late harvest), Vin de glace (ice wine), and Vin Moelleux (mellow or medium-sweet wine), as at our 2013 event. Luxembourg’s specialty wines are produced in very small quantities and these wines are not normally available for sale in the United States, but you can enjoy them now on the territory of the Grand Duchy through the German Wine Society without having to make a trip to Luxembourg! Though guests will not be able to sample all of these wines in light of the limited quantities remaining from our cellar, you should be able to try two or three of them. These wines will include:

2008 Bernard Massard Clos des Rochers Grand Premier Cru Pinot Gris
2009 Bernard Massard Clos des Rochers Grand Premier Cru Auxerrois
2011 Schram & Fils Bech-Kleinmacher Naumberg Riesling Vin Moelleux
2010 Guy Krier-Welbes Ellange-Gare Auxerrois Vendange Tardive
2009 Guy Krier-Welbes Ellange-Gare Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive
2007 Caves St. Remy Remich Grand Premier Cru Riesling Vendange Tardive
2007 Caves St. Remy Remich Grand Premier Cru Riesling Vin de Glace

The price for this event is a very reasonable $45 for members, and $52 for non-member guests. You can register and pay for this event via Paypal by heading to our Register page on the top menu. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account. The deadline to register for this event is March 31, 2016, as we must provide a list of guests to the Embassy for security reasons a week in advance of the event. Registration will also close if the event reaches 60 attendees as this is the capacity for the embassy. If you are interested please register as soon as possible.

The Embassy of Luxembourg is located at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., within easy walking distance of the Dupont Circle Red Line Metro station. Street parking in the area is limited, so planning to arrive by Metro is likely to be easiest.

All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or mostly taste the wines rather than finish them when such drivers or alternative modes of transportation are not available.

The coordinator for this event is GWS Capital Chapter President Carl Willner.

2014 Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein (New Location)
2016-03-18 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Dear German Wine Society Members and Guests,

Please note the location for this event has moved to 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024!

Every year we host a tasting to provide members and guests with an early opportunity to try wines from the new vintage. Our host is Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages, one of the leading retailers of German wines in the country.

DATE: Friday, March 18th at 7PM. COST: $39 for members and $46 for non-members. VENUE: Harbour Square Club Room at 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024, a 2-minute walk from the Van Ness stop on the Red Line.

The 2014 wines are just arriving, and now is a great time to sample what is available so you can decide what to buy based on what tastes good to you. Please see below for the wonderful wines we will be tasting.

John Gilman calls the 2014 vintage: A roller coaster of a year which turned out very, very well at the top estates and there are some absolutely superb wines in the pipeline that are going to delight lovers of classic German wines. The wines tend to be elegant and pure rather than powerful. According to importer Terry Theise: “This is the vintage where you’ll finally learn what the “H” stands for in Jesus H. Christ, because that’s what you’ll be saying over and over again.”

All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Members and guests should use public transportation, rely on a designated driver, or taste the wines rather than finish them.

You can register and pay for this event via Paypal by clicking the button below. You will need to set up a GWS account if you have not done so already for past events, and have a Paypal account.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Fritze at m_fritze@yahoo.com.

Wines to be tasted (all 2014 German Rieslings):

Starter Leitz Dragonstone

Flight 1 Willi Schaefer Feinherb; Furst Pur Mineral Trocken

Flight 2 Donnhoff Hermannshohle Grosses Gewachs; Schafer Frohlich Felseneck Grosses Gewachs

Flight 3 Adam Kabinett; Donnhoff Liestenberg Kabinett

Flight 4 Schafer Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Spatlese; Schafer Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Gold Cap Spatlese

Flight 5 Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Auslese; Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Gold Cap Auslese

Register for this Event

Membership Meeting 2016 Rescheduled
2016-02-05 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | Van Ness Room, 3001 Veazey Terrace NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
This event has been rescheduled to February 5th due to inclement weather conditions on its original date of January 22nd.Dear Members and Friends of the German Wine Society, Prosit Neujahr! You are cordially invited to attend this year’s membership meeting on Friday, February 5th, 2016. The doors will open at 7:00 and the business meeting will begin sharply at 7:30 pm. There will be some very good wines from the cellar to drink with our — by now traditional — quiz game and cheeses and bread to go with the wines. There will be a discussion of our dynamic new website, short reports on finances, membership and cellar status, followed by an open discussion of plans for the future. What would you like to have the society do – what are your expectations? The Board needs to know!! It is at this annual meeting we elect new officers (an email with the ballot and candidates has been sent to all GWS members. If you have not received this email please contact Mike Fritze below). Please consider giving back to the Chapter by serving on the board or by volunteering to plan a monthly tasting. Your active participation in planning and managing events help the organization grow – and to do so in the direction you choose. Members can vote in person at the meeting, or by returning their written ballots by January 17, 2016. All correspondence in response to this email should be directed to our new Secretary, Mike Fritze by email at m_fritze@yahoo.com or by mail at 1602 Greenbriar Court, Reston, VA 20190. For this event we are returning to the Bombay Room at 3001 Veazey Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008. Metro is very accessible from the Van Ness stop on the Red Line. Members pay nothing for this tasting; non-members pay $15 each. Please make reservations by January 17 so we know how much wine to bring and cheese to buy. We now have two options to reserve and pay for attendance at our events. You can register for events on our website and make payment by PayPal. See the website for guidance on how to do this, germanwinesocietydc.org. You will need to set up a GWS account on our website to register, and also have a PayPal account ready to use for payment. If you send a check, please make it to the German Wine Society at the address given above for Mike Fritze, the Secretary. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers where available or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers are not available.

Register for this Event

Holiday Dinner at the Cosmos Club
2015-12-19 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Ho Ho Ho, German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wines, It’s nearly time to hang the stockings and dream of nice German wine…… So, please plan to attend the GWS holiday paired dinner at the Cosmos Club, Saturday, December 19, 2015, starting at 7 p.m. The address for our holiday dinner is 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008. Metro is near and parking is ample. The venue is stunning: a private room, the Members Dining Room, in this landmark building. Perfect for that special evening with friends and family! The paired dinner: an exciting variety of German, Austrian and Luxembourg wines ranging from Trocken through Auslese styles and including some very fine Spätburgunder to boot ! Here is the menu: Hors D’oeuvres Shrimp Cocktail Canape Luxembourg sparkling wine: Bernard-Massard NV Champ Grapes Starter Romaine Salad with tomato, cantaloupe, jicama and grapes with a cranberry vinagrette 2012 Dr. Loosen Wehlender Sonnenuhr Trocken (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) 2014 Loimer Grüner Veltliner – Langenlois (Austrian) Entree Seared Filet Mignon with a potato leek puree, tiny string beans, oven dried tomato and mushroom Madeira source and hot popovers Vegetarian option available 2014 Meyer Näkel Spätburgunder (Ahr) Spätburgunder Selection (Depending on table) 2008 August Kessler (Rheingau), 2008 Becker Estate (Pfalz), 2009 Knipser (Pfalz) Dessert Dulce de Leche Cheesecake with fresh berries in raspberry coulis 2007 Von Schubert Abstberg Spätlese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) 2010 JJ Prüm Wehlender Sonnenuhr Auslese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) Coffee and Tea Club parking is off Florida Ave. behind the club. There is a small white sign showing the parking entrance. Parking is free and there is no tipping at the club including the valet parking. Parking is limited and Club members have preference. It is highly advisable to get there early in case there are numerous functions going on at the club that evening. Dress code is strict, coats and ties for men, no jeans or tennis shoes. Comparable attire for women. Dinner is $100 for members, $110 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is Dec 13 so that we may provide Chef the count. This promises to be a wonderful event so send off your reservations right away and don’t miss out. There are now two ways to join the fun. You can register below or alternatively send your check (payable to the German Wine Society) to: German Wine Society c/o Michael Fritze 1602 Greenbriar Court Reston, VA 20190 Please include name, number of guests, email, and phone number. Also include if you wish to select the vegetarian option for dinner. GWS and COSMOS club member Dean Collins has kindly offered to give tours of the historic COSMOS building prior to this event. If you are interested, please arrive one hour early in order to take part. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Register for this Event

Tasting with Weingut Richard Bocking
2015-11-20 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
The German Wine Society would like to invite you to a very special evening with Denman Zirkle and his daughter Sigrid Zirkle Carroll, owners of Weingut Richard Böcking in the Mosel Valley, Germany. The tasting will take place on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. The price for the tasting is $35 for members and $42 for guests. The deadline to register is Monday, November 16. We do not often have the chance to welcome a Mosel producer in person at our tastings, and to have one with such strong connections to the United States as well as Germany is unprecedented. Weingut Richard Böcking is a Mosel estate with a long history, established in 1623. The Böcking family was once one of the wealthiest in the Mosel, and even Goethe visited the family villa in 1792 and praised the Mosel wines. The Böcking estate acquired precious vineyards such as the Ungsberg and Schlossberg after Napoleon ended the feudal system in the region, with the family seat of Traben-Trarbach becoming a wine trade center of world renown. Though the family fortunes declined in the 20th century and the estate was virtually unknown a few years ago, it is now being revived by the Böcking family. The estate has 15 acres under cultivation, with 95% Riesling plantings, and four of its five vineyards are classified as Grand Cru, including the Ungsberg, Schlossberg and Burgberg, all represented at this tasting. Interestingly, two of the three protagonists in the revival process – Denman Zirkle and Sigrid Carroll – are based in Virginia. Denman Zirkle, Managing Partner of the estate, is an American, who married into the Richard Böcking family while he was on an external assignment for IBM in Frankfurt. Sigrid Carroll, Director of North American Marketing for the winery, is a direct Böcking descendant through her mother, who was a granddaughter of Kurt Böcking. She was educated in the United States but has frequently traveled to Germany and worked summers in the family vineyards in Traben-Trarbach while in her teens. You will hear more about this exciting undertaking during the tasting. Denman Zirkle and Sigrid Carroll will pour a selection of the Weingut Richard Böcking wines, which are all available in the US (some in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, while others are available in Montana and the New York/New Jersey area). 2014 RichHeart Riesling 2014 RichHeart Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) 2013 Devon Riesling 2014 Devon Riesling 2012 “M” Trarbacher Burgberg Kabinett Riesling 2013 “M” Trarbacher Burgberg Spätlese Riesling 2012 Trarbacher Ungsberg Alte Reben Riesling 2012 Trarbacher Burgberg Alte Reben Riesling 2014 Trarbacher Ungsberg Alte Reben Riesling 2014 Trarbacher Schlossberg Alte Reben Riesling Most of the Weingut Richard Böcking wines are in the dry to off-dry (feinherb) range, with the exception of the “M” wines. We will have a variety of light food (cheeses, crackers, pretzel sandwiches from Heidelberg Bakery) to accompany the tasting. The tasting will be held at the Harbour Square Club Room. The address for our tasting is 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024. It is very easy to get to and park there. Marilyn Scarbrough has thoughtfully reserved a few spaces in her complex’s visitors parking, but we cannot guarantee that these will be available. Metro is very accessible, the Green Line, Waterfront. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Event coordinators: Carl Willner and Christian Schiller. We can be reached with any questions through the GWS Capital Chapter website, germanwinesocietydc.org . We now have two options to reserve and pay for attendance at our events! Members and guests can still send in a check, as in the past, to the German Wine Society. But we are now in the electronic age too, and you can alternatively register for events on our website and make payment by Paypal. You will need to set up a GWS account on our website to register, and also have a Paypal account ready to use for payment. If you prefer to pay via check please make it payable to: German Wine Society Please send your check to: German Wine Society c/o Michael Fritze 1602 Greenbriar Court Reston, VA 20190

Register for this Event

Pinot Noir Tasting: Germany Contra Rest of the World
2015-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Chain Bridge Cellars, 1351 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA, 22101, United States
Registration ClosedDear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine, Pinot Noir, like Riesling, does one thing better than any other grape in the world: expresses site, climate and vintage. In this exciting tasting, you’ll have the chance to experience some of Pinot Noir’s most distinctive terroirs as you sample 12 delicious, distinctive, Pinot Noirs from Germany and around the world. We’ll take a global tour of Pinot Noir styles – but with a distinctly Germanic flair! Annette Schiller will pour and present 6 Pinot Noirs from Germany ranging from cool-site “village” level wines through more robust (for Germany, at least!) Pinots from warmer locations and Grand Cru vineyards. Next to each German example, Doug House of Chain Bridge Cellars will present examples of Pinot Noir from typical vineyards located in Burgundy and beyond. By the end of the tasting, you’ll have a new-found understanding and appreciation of Pinot character in all its diversity and charm. There is a red wine revolution going on in Germany and the world increasingly takes note of it. 30 years ago, the share of red wine in total German wine output was not more than 10 percent. This has increased to more than 30 percent. One out of three bottles of German wine is a red wine. In terms of Pinot Noir, Germany is now the third biggest producer in the world, after France and the US. We’ll taste: Germany: 2012 Pinot Noir Tradition Paul Fürst Franken 2011 Pinot Noir S Meyer-Näkel Ahr 2009 Spätburgunder Ökonomierat Rebholz Pfalz 2011 Sonnenberg Pinot Noir Jülg Pfalz 2011 Sommerhalde Spätburgunder GG Bernhard Huber Baden 2009 Ihringer Winkelberg Spätburgunder GG Dr. Heger Baden Rest of the World: 2012 Chateaux de Vaux Pinot Noir Les Hautes Bassieres Moselle France 2012 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon 2012 Domaine Pillot Mercurey Rouge Burgundy 2012 Domaine Jean-Michel Guillon Gevrey Chambertin Cuvee Alexis 2012 Burgundy 2010 Rovero Lajetto Pinot Nero Italy 2013 Pali Bluffs Pinot Noir Russian River Annette is currently in Germany and France, conducting her Fall Tours by ombiasy PR and WineTours, and will purchase some of the wines directly at the winery and hand-carry them back to the US for out tasting. Doug House owns and runs the popular Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean. He says that he and Chain Bridge Cellars have only limited insight into German wines, which probably is an understatement, but I can assure you that they cover the rest of the world extremely well. Doug visits Burgundy annually and tours Oregon and California Pinot vineyards frequently as well. Together, Annette and Doug will give you plenty of information, provide lots of opportunities for questions, and guarantee that you’ll taste some very satisfying wines! The price for this very special event will be $35 for members, and $42 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as early as possible, as this event is expected to be very popular. We will be limiting attendance to 30 guests. The event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2015, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean. Address: 1351 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101, United States Phone: +1 703-356-6500 There is plenty of parking. The event will be in the tasting room of Chain Bridge Cellars, which is located in the basement. Please note that there are only stairs and no elevator. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol where such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Event coordinator: Annette and Christian Schiller aschiller@ombiasyPR.com We now have two options to reserve and pay for attendance at our events! Members and guests can still send in a check, as in the past, to the German Wine Society:Please send your check to:German Wine Society1600 Clarendon Blvd., W105Arlington, VA 22209We request you include the following information: Name(s), Total Enclosed, Email, & Phone Number.But we are now in the electronic age too, and you can alternatively register for events on our website and make payment by Paypal. Please click the below button to register for this event. You will need to set up a GWS account on our website to register, and also have a Paypal account ready to use for payment.

Register for this Event

Oktober Weinfest
2015-09-18 18:30 - 22:00 UTC | German Embassy House, 1900 Foxhall Road N.W., Washington, DC, 20007, United States
OKTOBER WEINFEST AT THE GERMAN EMBASSY! Dear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine, In Germany Oktoberfest is celebrated beginning in September, and so we are returning to the German Embassy House for our Oktober Weinfest on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 6:30 pm. The theme of our Oktober Weinfest this year is a tour of the wine regions of Germany, and we will have wines from eight of the thirteen regions available for you to enjoy — the Mosel, Ahr, Nahe, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Franken, Pfalz and Baden. Wines will be poured for you by our own experienced members, who have been to a number of these regions. Rarely does the opportunity arise to experience so many of these wine regions together at one time! Together with these wines, we will have an ample buffet of delicious German-style foods. The price for this very special event will be $80 for members, and $89 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as early as possible, as this event is expected to be very popular. We will be limiting attendance to 50 guests, to ensure that everyone can best enjoy the event. Reservations must be received by Monday, September 14, 2015, for Embassy security – no late reservations can be accepted. Weather permitting, the Embassy House terrace will be open for you to relax with your welcoming Sekt and savor the wines. We anticipate Embassy personnel to be present for our event as well. The evening will unfold as follows: WELCOME: Henkell Riesling Sekt Rhein Cheese Board – array of domestic and international cheeses, arranged with an assortment of crusty bread and crackersMAIN EVENT: DINNER AND TASTING OF GERMAN WINE REGIONS Mosel: Karthäuserhof 2013 Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Spätlese Nahe: Dönnhoff 2013 Norheimer Kirschbeck Riesling Spätlese Ahr: Meyer-Näkel 2011 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) “S” Rheingau: Leitz 2011 Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spätlese Rheinhessen: Weingut Keller 2012 “Von der Fels” Riesling Trocken Franken: Fürst 2013 Pur Mineral Riesling Trocken Pfalz: Kurt Darting 2012 Durkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer Kabinett Baden: Shelter Winery 2012 Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Mittelrhein: 2012 Weingut Florian Weingart Bopparder Hamm Engelstein Riesling Kabinett FeinherbWürttemberg: 2013 Weingut Knauss Trollinger TrockenSelection of Bratwurst, Knockwurst and Weisswurst Sauerkraut Geschmorter Rotkohl (braised red cabbage) Kässpatzen (“cheese sparrows”, small cheese-covered dumplings) Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) Garden Salad with Romaine, Bibb and Watercress Assorted Pretzel and Pumpernickel Rolls DESSERT: Mosel: JJ Prüm 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Pfalz and Rheinhessen: A selection of single bottles of Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein wines from our cellar. We have substituted these for the Pfeffingen 2001 Ungsteiner Herrenberg Scheurebe Auslese previously listed, giving you a chance to try a variety of these special and rarely offered high-prädikat wines. Given limited quantities, not all of these wines will be available to every guest. Apple Strudel Coffee and Tea available from buffet The German Embassy House is located at 1900 Foxhall Road N.W. A limited amount of parking is available on nearby streets off Foxhall Road. Guests should plan to arrive by driving, taxi or the the nearest bus lines (D6 is closest, walk uphill on Foxhall). All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol where such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Also, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that during our Oktober Weinfest event on September 18, 2015 at 7 pm, the Chapter will hold a brief special business meeting of members. The purpose of this meeting will be to elect a new Secretary to fill out the remainder of the annual term for this position, as our current Secretary, Alan Knapp, is leaving this position before the next regular annual members’ meeting. Michael Fritze, who is currently serving as a Director on the Board of the Chapter, is running for Secretary to complete the current term, until the next regular annual meeting. Article VI of our Chapter by-laws provides that any vacancy on the Board is to be filled by a majority vote of the members voting at any business meeting. All members in good standing attending the Oktober Weinfest on September 18 will be eligible to vote. If others wish to run for this position, nominations must be received by the Secretary at least fourteen days before the date of the meeting, by September 4, 2015. Other nominations should be submitted to our Contact page, and the person nominated must have agreed to run.

Register for this Event

Wine Journey Down the Mosel River Valley
2015-06-07 14:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
German Wine Society Members & Guests, Please join us Sunday, June 7, from 2 pm to 6 pm, as we experience a “Wine Journey Down the Mosel River Valley” presented by our own Michael Fritze, who has based this tasting on a recent trip to this region.Arguably the most famous Riesling growing region in Germany, the Mosel Valley has seen viticulture since the Roman times. The lighter elegant styles of wine made here are unique expressions of the Riesling grape considered the “king of white wine varietals”. Nine selections will be featured chosen from famous Mosel estates Mike visited with his wife a few years ago. These range from Trocken (dry) through Kabinett and Spatlese styles. Some details of these estates and well known owners will also be shared at this tasting.The wine list for this event is:2012 Dr. Loosen Riesling QbA “Dr. L”, Mosel2012 Dr. Loosen Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG Trocken, Mosel2012 Maximum Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett (von Schubert), Mosel2007 Maximum Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling Spatlese (von Schubert), Mosel2013 JJ Christoffel Erben Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett, Mosel2013 Reinhold Haart Piesporter Riesling Goldtropschen Kabinett, Mosel2012 J.J. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel2007 J.J. Prüm Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel2011 Mönchhof Riesling Spätlese “Slate”, MoselThe price for this tasting is $35 for members and $42 for non-members. It will be held at the Harbour Square Club Room. The address for our tasting is 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024. It is very easy to get to and park there. Marilyn Scarbrough has thoughtfully reserved a few spaces in her complex’s visitors parking, but we cannot guarantee that these will be available. Metro is very accessible, the Green Line, Waterfront, www.wmata.com.The deadline is Thursday, June 4. Please send your check with your reservation to ensure a seat is reserved for you.All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.Please send your check to:German Wine Society1600 Clarendon Blvd., W105Arlington, VA 22209We request you include the following information: Name(s), Total Enclosed, Email, & Phone Number.

Register for this Event

Spargelfest 2015
2015-05-15 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | German Embassy House, 1900 Foxhall Road N.W., Washington, DC, 20007, United States
Dear German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wine,We are at that time of year again for our traditional Spargelfest dinner. This year we have the great pleasure to announce our return to the German Embassy House, after an absence of several years while the Embassy was under renovation. We were last at the German Embassy in May 2010, and our longtime members will fondly recall many excellent Spargelfests we held there. This year’s Spargelfest will be on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 7 pm. The price for this very special event will be $83 for members and $93 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as early as possible, as this Spargelfest is expected to be very popular. The deadline for reservations is Monday, May 11, 2015. We need to provide a final list of participants to the chef and for security purposes. Last-minute walk-ins will not be permitted, and everyone must have a picture ID to be admitted. We will begin this memorable evening with a Sekt reception and appetizers, served outside on the Embassy House terrace if weather permits. We anticipate several Embassy officials and staff joining us for the evening, giving you the opportunity to talk with them. Dinner will be in the Embassy House itself, buffet-style following the plated salad course. The evening will unfold as follows: WELCOME: NV Henkell Riesling Sekt Rhein and Passed Hors D’oeuvres Spargeltoast mit Rührei (asparagus toasts with scrambled egg, house smoked salmon, chives) Asparagus Spoons (stir fried asparagus with shiitakes, shrimp, scallions & a cilantro-lime vinaigrette) Asparagus Tempura (sweet chili dipping sauce) DINNER 2013 Gruener Veltliner, Hofkirch, Austria, QbA, Trocken 2012 Bollig Lehnert Trittenheimer Apotheke, Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel Spargelsalat Vinaigrette (asparagus salad with miso dressing, oranges & grapefruit & grilled fresh hearts of palm) Main Course 2010 JJ Prüm Graacher Himmelreich, Riesling, Spätlese, Mosel 2008 Fitz-Ritter Gewürztraminer, Spätlese, Pfalz Black Forest Ham White and Green Asparagus Salzkartoffeln Herb-crusted Rainbow Trout Sauce Choron / Sauce Hollandaise Warm Rolls and Breads Dessert 2010 JJ Prüm, Graacher Himmelreich, Riesling, Auslese, Mosel (compare with the JJ Prüm Spätlese in main course) 2001 Pfeffingen, Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Scheurebe, Auslese, Pfalz (waiting 14 years for you to enjoy this evening!) Apple Tartlets Strawberry-Lemon Trifle Cups Starbucks Coffee and Tea Service The German Embassy House is located at 1900 Foxhall Road N.W. A limited amount of parking is available on nearby streets off Foxhall Road. Guests should plan to arrive by driving, taxi or the nearest bus lines (D6 is closest, walk uphill on Foxhall). All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

GWS at German Embassy for EU Open House Day
2015-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | German Embassy House, 1900 Foxhall Road N.W., Washington, DC, 20007, United States
Dear German Wine Society Members,German Wine Society Members Kevin Ross, Hanne Caraher, Christian Schiller, and Annette Schiller will be representing the DC Chapter of the GWS at the German Embassy grounds Saturday May, 9th from 10am to 4pm. For those who are not familiar the event EU member nations open their embassy doors to the public for the day. Presentations, regional food and arts, and tours of the grounds are available to all guests. The German Wine Society will have a tent on the grounds of the German Embassy and will be pouring several German wines to help educate the public and attract new membership. Please stop by while enjoying this quintessential DC event!

2013 Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein
2015-04-10 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Colonnade, 2801 New Mexico Ave NW, DC, 20032, United States
Dear Members of GWS and Guests, Since April 3 presented too much of a conflict with Good Friday and the beginning of Passover, we have moved the vintage tasting (and membership meeting) to April 10, at the same time, 7 p.m., but AT A DIFFERENT VENUE: WE WILL NOW BE MEETING at the Colonnades, an apartment building located at 2801 New Mexico Avenue, N.W. in the District. Thank you, Yolanda Mamone and Marilyn Scarbrough, for helping to arrange this. If you have already sent in your reservation for the original date, April 3, we will assume that you are now coming to the April 10 vintage tasting. If you cannot come, please send an email to the sender, and we will return your check. Please sign up for this tasting and bring guests if you like – 15 wines for a very low price! All the other details remain the same. Below is a copy of the original meeting announcement, with the original location and date updated. Hanne CaraherSecretary, Capital ChapterDear German Wine Society Members and Guests, NOTE: Due to the inclement weather in early March, we postponed the membership meeting and board election. We will conduct this meeting and vote at the end of the New Vintage Tasting. All information and request for nominations from the prior announcement remains valid and in effect. Every year we host a tasting to provide members and guests with an early opportunity to taste wines from the new vintage. The 2013 wines are just arriving, and now is a great time to sample what is available so you can decide what to buy based on the most important information of all– what tastes good to you! Please mark your calendars for our New Vintage Tasting on April 10th at 7PM. The venue is the Colonnades, an apartment building located at 2801 New Mexico Avenue, N.W. in the District. . The price is $35 for members and $42 for non-members. For a glowing assessment of this vintage, please read this article by Terry Theise: www.skurnikwines.com/msw/2013germanvintage.html We will taste these wines: Starter: Hild Elbling Sekt Brut #52 Flight #1: Stars of Halbtrocken 1. Peter Lauer Fass 6 “Senior” (pink grapefruit, tart orange, lemongrass, rosemary, lovely: JG). 2. Keller Von der Fels Riesling Trocken (salty stoniness, lemongrass, outstanding and a great bargain: JG) 3. Weiser-Kunstler Estate Feinherb (starts off with peach and toffee, then intense and zesty: MFW) Flight #2: Some of the best Kabinetts from a vintage for Kabinett 1. Karthauserhof Kabinett Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg 2. Adam (completely delicious; mirabelle, quince and lemon pudding: TT) 3. Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl (mint, iris; gorgeous; shows how strong 2013 is for Kabinett: JG) Flight #3: More of the best Kabinetts from a vintage for Kabinett 1. Haart Piesporter Goldtropfchen 2. Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube (stylish wine, pear, apricot blossom, and slate-infused herbs: MFW) 3. Zilliken Saarburger Rausch (stunning grip and length; reference point Kabinett: JG) Flight #4: Wines of the vintage? 1. Egon Muller Kabinett 2. Donnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Spatlese (pure magic in the making: JG) 3. Donnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Spatlese (note of lavender and spring flowers, brilliant: JG) Flight #5: Give Auslese some love 1. Karthauserhof Eitelsbacher Karthauserhofberg 2. Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr 3. Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Urgluck (naked slate; a masterpiece of primordial minerality: TT) The venue is the Harbour Square Club Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024-4605. Parking is available on the street, and in the complex on a first-come-first-served basis. When you arrive, tell the gatehouse guard that you are Marilyn Scarbrough’s guest, and they will direct you. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Event Coordinator(s): David Wendler and Laura Tiehen Event Presenter: Phil Bernstein of MacArthur beverages: pbernstein@bassins.com; (202) 338-1433

German Wine Society: Membership Meeting 2015 - Postponed until April 10th
2015-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Notice – This event has been postponed to coincide with our 2013 Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein event on April 10th, 2015 due to inclement weather Dear GWS Members: You are cordially invited to attend this year’s membership meeting on Friday, March 6, at 7 p.m. There will be some very good wines from the cellar to drink with our — by now traditional — quiz game and cheeses and breads to go with the wines. There will also be short reports on the chapter’s finances, membership, etc. Members pay nothing for this tasting; non-members pay $15 each. At this annual meeting we elect new officers. The statements of candidates for the upcoming year are listed below; please note that several candidates are running for different positions than last year and two new candidates are running for director. The venue is the clubroom at Harbour Square, 500 N Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024. It is very easy to get to and park there. We have reserved a few spaces in the Harbour Square complex’s visitor parking area, but we cannot guarantee that parking will be available. Metro is very accessible, on the Green Line, Waterfront-SEU station, www.wmata.com. This election is critical to he future of the society and your vote counts! We should take advantage of this opportunity to introduce fresh thinking into guiding the evolution of the chapter and planning future events. This is your chapter and you can help shape its activities by voting. Also, this is your chance to ask questions of board members who are running for new positions they have not held before, as well as the new candidates for board membership, and make your views known on the directions that our chapter should take. Please also consider giving back to the chapter by volunteering to plan a monthly tasting. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, March 1. If any other member wants to run for a board positions, nominations are due by Friday, February 20, to be submitted to the current secretary, Hanne Caraher. We recommend that you submit any such nominations by e-mail at hcaraher@verizon.net, to ensure that they are received in a timely manner. Since there are no vacancies in any of the board positions, we will not be able to accept nominations from the floor for any positions during the meeting under the by-laws – all additional nominations must be received in advance. If any other candidate runs for a board positions, a contested election will result, and new ballots will be recirculated to reflect the additional nominations. Members who are not able to be at the meeting but would like to vote must submit their ballots to the secretary by Saturday, March 1. Please send your reservation so that we know how much wine and cheese to buy (and a $15 check for non-members only). Send your ballot if you are a member and want to vote but will not be present at the meeting, to German Wine Society, 5607 Huntington Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20814. If you are a member attending the meeting and are current in your dues, you can also return your reservation by return e-mail.If you have not paid your annual dues yet (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), please include $35 with your check (single or couple membership), to ensure that you are a member in good standing and entitled to vote. All GWS members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication. Therefore, Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available. Statements of Candidates: Carl Willner (for president) – He has been a member of the German Wine Society for over 20 years and a member of the board for three years, serving currently as vice president. During the past four years, he was been responsible for planning five successful GWS events: the tastings at the Embassy of Luxembourg in March 2011 and October 2013, the Spargelfest dinners at Cafe Mozart in May 2013 and May 2014, and the Oktoberfest in October 2014. He also helped conduct several other events including membership meetings and two Oktoberfests, and was in charge of the updating of our by-laws last year. German wines have long been a part of his life – his grandparents from Bavaria ran a German restaurant in upstate New York – so the German Wine Society naturally became a significant part of his life in Washington. He looks forward to helping to lead our chapter forward, with the goals of several interesting and educational events each year – a mixture of dinners and modestly priced tastings, a return to the German Embassy for some of our events, outreach to new members including the use of Meetup and our new website inaugurated in 2014, and a continued wine cellar on a smaller scale with a more focused acquisition strategy including high-quality wines. Christian Schiller (for vice president) — A member of the German Wine Society since he came to the USA in 1983 and a member of the Board since 2010. He has a broad background in international finance and economics. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Mainz, Germany. Before his retirement in 2010, he worked for almost 30 years at the International Monetary Fund. With his retirement, he started to write about wine and was accepted by the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers. His main outlet for his writing is his daily wine blog “schiller-wine,” but he has also published in “Falstaff,” “Weinfeder” and other journals. Many of his publications are on German wine. He has organized many interesting wine events and plans to continue to do so. In June 2014, he arranged a wine tasting with the German Wine Princess. David Roehm (for treasurer) — He has been a member of the German Wine Society for more than 20 years and treasurer for more than 10 years. He loves German wines, particularly Mosel Rieslings, and had the wonderful experience of attending the German Wine Academy. During his tenure as treasurer, we have striven to keep adequate funds in the treasury while maintaining reasonable prices for events and an adequate wine cellar. He is mostly retired now, but his background is in management consulting and finance, including an MBA and experience as a CFO. Alan Knapp (for secretary) — A member since the late nineties, a board member since 2005, currently serving as president, He has focused on three intertwined goals: interesting yet varied tastings that reflect the variety and quality of Germany’s wines, a responsibly sized cellar preserving vintages for our future enjoyment when they might otherwise be unattainable, and financial stewardship that ensures we have the flexibility to experience our wines in great settings from time to time. Throughout, he has guided the chapter to a consistent, stable annual calendar of events that allows members to predict and plan for upcoming tastings. Looking forward, he sees: our chapter reinvigorated, reaching out to new members while retaining current members; focused, educational wine experiences in a variety of settings; and an even smaller cellar, yet of higher wine quality; all while ensuring we have the funds to achieve these goals. Marilyn Scarbrough (for director) – Carol Watkins, a business acquaintance, suggested wine tastings as an excellent way to meet people and introduced Marilyn to the German Wine Society soon after her arrival in Washington DC. She joined in 1986 and has been an active member ever since. When Carol wanted to step down from the Board where she served as secretary and membership chair, Marilyn took over membership and Hanne Caraher accepted secretarial duties. During her tenure on the Board, Marilyn conducted a survey of membership interests and was actively involved in Board functions, including the 30-year anniversary celebration of the German Wine Society. After several years spent mending a broken leg, she returned to serve on the Board and again seeks re-election. Marilyn still believes the German Wine Society is an excellent way to meet the nicest people in Washington and to explore the very best in wines. Hanne Caraher (for director) – A member of the German Wine Society since 1982 and the chapter secretary every year since the late 80s. She would like to continue as director for the next year. She is also the secretary-treasurer of the National German Wine Society and as such serves as liaison between the chapter and the national office. She has attended the German Wine Academy and taken many trips to taste German wines – seven or eight to visit German wineries, one to the Alto Adige (Tirol) where they make German-style wines, and one to Alsace. Her concern for the chapter is that our tastings are educational, not merely social events. Mike Fritze (for director) – A member of GWS for about eight years. He was raised in a German-American household where he learned to appreciate fine German wine and beer. He developed his emerging interest in German wine and wine regions during multiple trips visiting family and friends there. He has led several tastings particularly featuring German red wines. He is interested in running for a board position in order to help plan new events, activities and tastings. Kevin Ross (for director) – He has been a member of the DC Chapter for little over a year, though his interest in the wines of Germany extend further back. Attending college as the craft brewing revolution was in full swing, he enjoyed learning and tasting his way through the beers of the world. Several years later Kevin branched out into wine and has never looked back. His interest became so deep that he took a job at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, a local wine store in DC, where he quickly developed a love of the wines of Germany, Alto Adige, Austria, and Alsace. Kevin has since moved on from his wine store days, but he continues his love of the Germanic wine regions. Kevin created the DC Chapter’s new website and updates its content.

German Wine dinner with Hanno Zilliken
2015-01-27 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Rasika Penn Quarter, 633 D Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004, United States
A once in a lifetime opportunity to dine at one of DC’s best restaurants in an intimate setting with legendary German winemaker Hanno Zilliken. This legendary estate in the Saar has been turning out some of the world’s greatest Rieslings for many years. Only 10 seats are available, so act fast!Appetizers: Palak Chaat, Sev Batata Puri, Elaichi Tikka, Seekh KebabZilliken Riesling Kabinett Saarburg 2013 Zilliken Riesling Kabinett Ockfener Bockstein 2013Entrées:Black Cod, Tandoori Lamb Chop, Chicken Makhani, Lamb Mirchi Korma, Malai Palak, Dal Makhani, Raita, Basmati Rice, Assorted Breads Zilliken Riesling Spatlese Saarburg Rausch 2012 Zilliken Riesling Spatlese Saarburg Rausch 2003 Dessert: Gulab Jamun/ Carrot Halwa/Cardamom Ice CreamZilliken Riesling Auslese Saarburg Rausch 2011Zilliken Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Saarburg Rausch 2010Aperitif: Zilliken Butterfly 2013 $100 per person including tax and tip. Parking is not included. Please email Sam Haltiwanger at to make your reservation

German Wine Society Holiday Dinner at the Cosmos Club
2014-12-06 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Ho Ho Ho, German Wine Society Members and Friends of German Wines, We’ve made our list and checked it twice … you’re in! So, please plan to attend this holiday paired dinner at the Cosmos Club, Saturday, December 6, 2014, starting at 7 p.m. The address for our holiday dinner is 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008. Metro is near and parking is ample. The venue is stunning: a private room, the Members Dining Room, in this landmark building. Perfect for that special evening with friends and family! The paired dinner: an exciting fusion of German and non-German wine regions we have been visiting throughout the year: Amuse-Bouche Smoked Salmon Flower in a pastry cup with cream cheese and capers Sekt Our Starter Belgian Endive Salad with baby arugula, Asian pear, roasted walnuts, julienne of gruyere and balsamic vinaigrette 2006 Paul Anheuser, Kreuznacher Moenchberg Scheurebe QBA, Nahe 2008 Wolfberger Riesling, Alsace Our Entree Orange Walnut Crusted Striped Bass with artichoke leek sauce, haricots verts, and basmati pilaf 2009 Dr. Thanisch, Riesling, Mosel 2007 Trimbach, Gewuerztraminer, Alsace Our Dessert Hot Popovers Crème Brûlée & Berries 1998 Eugen Mueller, Deidesheimer Nonnenstueck Rulaender, BA, Pfalz Coffee and Tea Club parking is off Florida Ave. behind the club. There is a small white sign showing the parking entrance. Parking is free and there is no tipping at the club including the valet parking. Parking is limited and Club members have preference. I would advise getting there early in case there are numerous functions going on at the club that evening. Dress code is strict, coats and ties for men, no jeans or tennis shoes. Comparable attire for women.Dinner is $95 for members, $105 for non-members.The deadline for reservations is Tuesday, December 2, so that we may provide Chef the count. This promises to be a wonderful event so send off your reservations right away and don’t miss out.Join the festivities by sending your check (payable to the German Wine Society) to: German Wine Society, 5607 Huntington Parkway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Please include name, number of guests, email, and phone number.Event Coordinator: Alan KnappAll Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Janet Cam Pairing German Sekt
2014-11-14 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | The Colonnade, 2801 New Mexico Ave NW, DC, 20032, United States
The German Wine Society would like to invite you to a very special evening with Janet Cam, who will be pairing a delicious global array of tapas-style foods with German Sekt. The event will take place on Friday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m. Janet Cam is best known as the co-proprietor of the elegant LePavillon restaurant in Washington DC and the Managing Director of the legendary Lutèce restaurant in New York City. At LePavillon, Nouvelle Cuisine was introduced to the United States. The restaurant garnered the Wine Spectator Grand Award and became one of the few dining experiences comparable to a Michelin 3 star restaurant in France. Today, Janet provides consulting services to restaurant and hospitality businesses with a focus on wine and beverage programs. Ms. Cam also conducts weekly food and wine tastings addressing various wine subjects including Value for Money Wines, comparative tasting of cellared Entry Level Wines vs Current Release Wines from Great Producer as well as Tasting for Potential. Not well known, Germany is one of the largest sparkling wine markets in the world. One of four bottles of sparkling wine produced in the world is consumed in Germany. Sparkling wine produced in Germany is called Sekt. Sekt is made in all German wine regions, both in the méthode traditionnelle and charmat method. Janet Cam will offer the following selection of German Sekts: Henkell Trocken Weingut Dr. Loosen, Mosel, Dr. L – Riesling Sekt Weingut Fitz Ritter, Pfalz – Riesling Sekt Weingut Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler, Mosel – Riesling Sekt She will pair these Sekts with the following Tapas-style food: Barquettes of Herring Roe and Crème Fraîche Labneh and Ajvar served with Sangak Bread Onion and Cloud’s Ear Tofu Shiitake and Rice Dumpling Shanghai Spiced Nuts The deadline is Monday, November 10. Please send your check ($35 for members, $42 for guests) with your reservation to ensure your seat is reserved for you. For event registration please send check to: German Wine Society, 5607 Huntington Parkway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Please be sure to include the event name, member/guest names, total enclosed, daytime phone #, & email address. Also, if members have not paid their annual dues yet (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), please include $35 with your check (single or couple membership). The address for our tasting is The Colonnade, 2801 New Mexico Av, NW, at the intersection with 42nd St, Tunlaw Rd and Fulton St in Glover Park. The closest bus stop is the D2 (from Dupont Circle) at Edmunds and 41st Sts. The N2 and N6 buses stop at New Mexico and Cathedral Aves. The 30 – 37 buses on Wisconsin Ave are a ten-minute walk away at the Garfield St stop. There is valet parking; a $2 gratuity is suggested. All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Oktoberfest Tasting
2014-10-10 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Please join us on Friday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m., for our Oktoberfest tasting at the Harbour Square Club Room, which provides us a stunning view of the Washington skyline. The price for this tasting is $35 for members, $42 for guests.In past years for our Oktoberfests, we virtually visited most of the wine regions of Germany: the Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Mosel, Salle-Unstrut, Franken, Hessische Bergstrasse, Baden, Wuerttemberg, Ahr, and Nahe (only the Mittelrhein and Sachsen are missing from our tours). This year, our Oktoberfest is going international, with a wine tour along a famous river valley and wine-growing region that traverses Germany, Luxembourg and France – the Mosel/Moselle. Our tour provides an opportunity to experience both wines from our cellar and newly acquired ones from local retailers, along with snacks, representing the three countries along the Mosel/Moselle. As with years past, your pourers (board members) have undertaken considerable research to ensure that your experience is both delicious and educational.The French portion of the Moselle is an old wine-growing region in Lorraine, and now has its own wine appellation, AOC Moselle, but with the smallest production by far of the three countries lining the river, only a couple of hundred hectares at most. Wine growing in this area was formerly much more extensive than today, but suffered from Phylloxerra, World War I, and industrialization, and at one point almost died out, but has been recovering in recent decades. But because the production is still small, we are supplementing the French portion of our tour with some Riesling wines from well-known producers in neighboring Alsace as well as from the Moselle proper (where very little Riesling is grown, with the principal grapes allowed in the AOC being Auxerrois, Elbing, Muller-Thurgau, Gamay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, and there is also a little Gewürztraminer). Our wines from the French Moselle and Alsace will include: -Chateau de Vaux Les Hautes-Bassieres, Pinot Noir, AOC Moselle (2012) – the only red wine on our tour -Chateau de Vaux Les Gryphees, AOC Moselle (2013) – a white wine blend -Dirler Grand Cru Saering, Riesling, AOC Alsace (2008) -Domaine Weinbach, Cuvee Ste. Catherine, Riesling, AOC Alsace (2012)Next we come to the Moselle region in Luxembourg whose wines we have already been fortunate to enjoy in two tastings at the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington. Any members who have not attended those spectacular events should be sure to experience the wines of Luxembourg now, while our cellar supply lasts – Luxembourg wines are rarely exported to the U.S., as the production is only about 1200 hectares in a single wine region, the Moselle Luxembourgoise, and most of that is consumed domestically. But there is a wide variety of grapes, producing primarily white wines, including Riesling, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and others. Here, we will experience the following wines: -Bernard-Massard Clos des Rochers, Grand Premier Cru, Riesling (2007) -Bernard-Massard Clos des Rochers, Grand Premier Cru, Auxerrois (2009) -Bernard-Massard Clos des Rochers, Grand Premier Cru, Pinos Gris (2008) -and one dessert wine for each – either -Guy Krier-Welbes Ellange-Gare Bech-Klien Nau, Vendange Tardive, Riesling (2010) or -Guy Krier-Welbes Ellange-Gare Bech-Klien Nau, Vendange Tardive, Gewurztraminer (2009)Finally, we come to the magnificence of the German Mosel, also primarily a white wine region, with the share of Rieslings here rising to over 50%. The wine production here dwarfs the other two countries on the Moselle, with over 12,800 hectares cultivated in the German Mosel. Though the Mosel is Germany’s third largest wine region in terms of area and production, it is often considered to rank highest in the quality of its vineyards, especially those in the Middle Mosel. The Upper Mosel (Obermosel) is more like Luxembourg, with less steep hills and around 800 hectares cultivated, while the most famed Mosel wines are commonly encountered on the steep-sided slate hillsides in the Middle and Lower Mosel. From the German Mosel, we will experience: -Dr. Thanisch, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr, Spatlese, Riesling, Middle Mosel (2009) -Bollig Lehnert, Piersporter Goldtropfchen, Spatlese, Riesling, Middle Mosel (2004) -Meulenhof, Erdener Treppchen, Spatlese, Riesling, Middle Mosel (1996) -Staatsdomaene, Trierer St. Maximiner Kreuzberg, Auslese, Riesling, Upper Mosel (1990) The address for our tasting is 500 N Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024. It is very easy to get to and park there. Just be sure to factor in the horrendous bridge traffic, if coming in from outside Washington. We have reserved a few spaces in the Harbour Square complex’s visitor parking area, but we cannot guarantee that parking will be available. Metro is very accessible, the Green Line, Waterfront-SEU, www.wmata.com. The deadline for reservations is Saturday, October 4. Please send your check ($35 for members, $42 for guests) with your reservation to ensure your seat is reserved for you. [We are exploring creating an electronic payment and reservation alternative in connection with a new chapter website we are developing, and if that is ready in time for this tasting, members will be notified.]Also, if you have not paid your annual dues yet (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015), please include $35 with your check (single or couple membership).All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Holiday Dinner at Rasika in the West End
2013-12-06 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Rasika, 1190 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20037, United States
खुश छुट्टियाँ That is “Happy Holidays” in Hindi, I think, which is pertinent, because …This year the dinner will be at Rasika in the West End, Friday, December 6, 2013, starting at 7 p.m. The address is 1190 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037.The venue is stunning. We plan to be in a private room, the Library. The menu showcases such modern Indian cuisine as Tawa (Griddle), Sigri (open Barbeque), Tandoori and regional dishes. Naturally, this served dinner will be paired with fabulous German wines selected specifically for the dishes themselves. Among the wines Rasika serves several come from vintners the club favors, such as Müller-Catoir, Leitz, Doennhoff, and Erben. All the more reason to come to this event!We are planning an extensive menu comprising a variety of dishes, and here is just a hint of what we have selected:Starter of Palak Chaat (crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind, date chutney)Entree of Tandoori Tamatar Salmon (Scottish salmon, sun-dried tomato, basil, mint chutney) and Chicken Tikka Masala (the national dish of England!)Dessert of Cardamom Ice Cream (which is absolutely delicious!)A subsequent announcement containing the full menu and paired wines will be forthcoming.

Luxembourg Wine Tasting
2013-10-25 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Luxembourg Embassy, 2200 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
We have been invited to return to the beautiful Embassy of Luxembourg on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 7 p.m. for another exciting opportunity to enjoy the wines of the “other Mosel,” the Moselle River in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.Those who attended our last tasting at the Luxembourg Embassy in March 2011 will recall what a wonderful evening it was, and this event promises to be even more spectacular, with about twice as many wines — we had seven last time — and expect over a dozen to be available this time.Some of the dry and sparkling wine varieties will be familiar from the last tasting, but this time we will also have many of the sweeter “specialty wines” of Luxembourg, including the vendange tardive (late harvest), vin moelleux (mellow wine), vin de glace (ice wine), and vin de paille (straw wine).This is truly a unique tasting opportunity, as Luxembourg’s specialty wines are produced in very small quantities and are not normally available in the United States — we have them thanks to the assistance of our Embassy contacts.Ambassador of Luxembourg Jean-Louis Wolzfeld will deliver some opening remarks on the history of wine-making in Luxembourg, its wine region and the types of wines. In addition, Ambassador Wolzfeld is choosing several special wines from his Embassy’s cellar that we will be able to taste in comparison with the Luxembourg wines that are now in our Society Cellar. Light refreshments will be served during the tasting.

Oktoberfest "Reverse" Tasting
2013-09-21 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Please join us Saturday, September 21, at 7 p.m. for our tasting at the Harbour Square Club Room, which provides us a stunning view of the Washington skyline. The price for this tasting is $25 for members, $32 for guests. In years past, we (virtually) visited the Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, and Mosel to celebrate and learn more about these regions’ fine wines. This year we visit some of our lesser well known regions. It is an opportunity to experience wines from our cellar and local retailers along with snacks representing these regions. As with years past, your pourers (board members) have undertaken considerable research to ensure your experience is both delicious and delectable.Here are a couple of articles to tickle your tongues (best to read them in the order listed):Wines of the Times: Germany’s Rieslings on the Tip of the Tongue, by Eric Asimovwww.nytimes.com/2013/08/28/dining/reviews/germanys-rieslings-on-the-tip-of-the-tongue.htmlOn the Riesling Road: Day 5 – Dry Fear and Loathing on the Rhine for Theise and Co.?www.stuartpigott.de/?p=3855We have selected the specific wines we’ll be sampling. Here they are:Table 1: SAALE-UNSTRUT, FRANKEN AND HESSISCHE BERGSTRASSE2005 Schmitt Kinder Riesling Spaetlese, Franken2003 Born Riesling Spaetlese, Saale-Unstrut2003 Hessische Bergstrasse Riesling “Selection,” Hessische Bergstrasse Table 2: BADEN, WUERTTEMBERG AND AHR2005 Heger – Spaetburgunder QBA, Baden2008 Bernhard Huber – Pinot Noir, BadenWZG Moglingen Trollinger QBA, Wuerttemberg NV2008 Schnaitmann Bellback Lemberger Wuerttemberg2008 Meyer-Nakel Blue Slate Spaetburgunder, Ahr2011 Meyer-Nakel Blue Slate Dernau Pinot Noir, AhrTable 3: NAHE 2006 Paul Anheuser Scheurebe2009 Kruger-Rumpf Schiefer Riesling Feinherb1998 Wallhausen Mullenberg Riesling Auslese2010 Doennhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spaetlese2011 Doennhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spaetlese 2011 Doennhoff Oberhauser Bruecke Riesling Spaetlese2003 Doennhoff Oberhauser Bruecke Riesling SpaetleseTable 4: A surprise selection we’re keeping a secret!

Spargelfest Dinner
2013-05-17 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Cafe Mozart, 1331 H St NW, Washington, DC, 20005
We are at that time of year again for our traditional Spargelfest dinner. This year the Spargelfest will be held at Café Mozart, a long-established German restaurant in Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 17, starting at 7 p.m. The price for the event will be $80 for members and $90 for non-members. The Board encourages all members and friends of the Society to reserve as early as possible. The deadline for making a reservation is May 13. Please send your check with contact information (name, telephone and email) to:GWS5607 Huntington ParkwayBethesda, MD 20814.We’ll celebrate this annual event beginning with a Henkell Trocken Sekt, followed by a four-course dinner with various preparations of white and green asparagus, and seven other German, Austrian and Alsatian white and red wines, concluding with an Eiswein. We have paired this meal with wines from Café Mozart as well as some from the Chapter’s cellar to match the bountiful variety of dishes that Café Mozart is offering us, in this delicious and traditional dinner. The dinner will be served family-style, allowing guests to choose the dishes and quantities they prefer from the ample options available. The range of German dishes available at Café Mozart will recall for many members the past Spargelfests that we enjoyed at the German Embassy House.FIRST COURSE – AppetizersHome-made liver-terrine with buttered asparagus tips served on mini-croutons, and a variety of German salads – clear coleslaw, tomato salad, cucumber salad, including bi-color marinated asparagus2011 Leo Hillinger Small Hill Pinot Noir/St. Laurent/Merlot blend, Burgenland, Austria2006 J.L. Wolf Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Wachenheim, Pfalz, GermanySECOND COURSE – SoupCream of asparagus soup with herb croutons2011 Anton Bauer Gruener Veltliner Gmoerk, Wagram, Austria2006 Paul Anheuser Scheurebe Kreuznacher Moenchberg, QbA, Nahe, GermanyTHIRD COURSE – Main DishesArray of boiled and grilled white and green asparagus served with drawn butter and sauce hollandaise; petite grilled veal scaloppini; fried chicken cutlets; boiled, buttered new potatoes; German mini potato pancakes served with sour cream and caviar; creamy pasta with grilled shrimps; bite-size German sausages including bratwurst, debreziner, smoked bratwurst and knackwurst; and cured Westphalian ham-wrapped asparagus2011 Willm Riesling, Alsace, France2011 Dr. Thanisch Riesling Erben Mueller-Burggraf, QbA, Mosel, GermanyFOURTH COURSE – Dessert and Coffee or TeaChoice of German Chocolate cake, Black Forest cake, Apple Strudel, Truffle cake, Hazelnut torte, and a platter of different kinds of small pastries or cookies 2002 Seebrich Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling Eiswein, Rheinhessen, Germany

German Dry Rieslings!
2013-04-19 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Riesling in general and dry Riesling in particular is not really trendy in the U.S. Yet Eric Asimov, the New York Times´ wine critic, recently detected a “rising popularity of Riesling.” which, to him, signaled “the increasing sophistication of Americans who have fallen in love with wine.”Our April tasting will put our love for German wines to the stellar test of dry Riesling. Gunther Hellmann has offered to do a tasting of exclusively dry Riesling. He is a wine aficionado, visiting Washington DC for a few months and has participated in two of our recent tastings. He will share his take at and love for German wine, in particular dry Riesling, with us.Gunther Hellmann was so kind as to bring a selection of wines from his cellar inGermany for this tasting, which we will complement with additions from local stores. The selection consists of dry Rieslings from the Mosel, the up and coming Pfalz and Rheinhessen regions and the Nahe Valley. The tasting will include “Grosses Gewaechs/Grand Cru” wines from world-class Riesling producers Weingut Klaus Peter Keller in Rheinhessen and Weingut Hermann Doennhoff in the Nahe Valley. Overall, we will get a very good overview of what German winemakers are able to produce when it comes to other than sweet-style wines.The tasting will be on Friday, April 19, at 7 p.m. The price is $35 for members and $42 for non-members.The wines we will be serving (listed here in alphabetical order) are:2009 Bassermann-Jordan, Auf der Mauer, Pfalz2011 Dönnhoff, Riesling trocken, Nahe2010 Dönnhoff, Hermannshöhle, Grosses Gewächs, Nahe2011 Fogt, Spätlese trocken, Siefersheimer Goldenes Horn, Rheinhessen2011 Franzen, Riesling trocken, “Der Sommer war sehr groß”, Mosel2007 Heymann-Löwenstein, Schieferterrassen, Mosel2006 Keller, Hubacker, Großes Gewächs, Rheinhessen2008 Koehler-Ruprecht, Saumagen, Kabinett trocken, Pfalz2009 Seehof, Westhofener Steingrube, Rheinhessen2011 Wagner-Stempel, Siefersheimer Riesling trocken, Vom Porphyr, Rheinhessen

New Vintage Tasting with Phil Bernstein
2013-03-22 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Harbor Square Party Room, 500 N St SW, Washington, DC, 20024, United States
Every year we host a tasting to provide members and guests with an early opportunity to taste wines from the new vintage. The 2011 wines are just arriving, and now is a great time to sample what is available so you can decide what to buy based on the most important information of all– what tastes good to you!The tasting will be Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m. The price is $35 for members and $42 for non-members.2011 was something of a return to normal after the big, fruity wines of 2009 and the wild and crazy wines of 2010. Terry Theise calls it a “good guy” vintage, with delicious wines that are approachable now.We are fortunate that DC boasts one of the best German wine retailers in the country, Phil Bernstein of MacArthur Beverages, who will present some value wines, some new wines, and all wonderful wines.The wines we will be serving are:Flight #12011 Gysler Scheurebe HT2011 Kruger-Rumpf Scheurebe SpaetleseFlight #22011 Doennhoff Riesling Estate Qba2011 Egon Mueller Scharzhofberger KabinettFlight #32011 Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett2011 Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich SpatleseFlight #42011 Schaefer Froehlich Bockenauer Felseneck Spaetlese2011 Schaefer Froehlich Bockenauer Felseneck Spaetlese GKFlight #52011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spaetlese2011 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr AusleseCome and experience some of the most delicious and complex whites that the wine world has to offer.
