Post-election, America is in a slump. Facebook feeds blow up, tears of sadness (or joy) flow, and everyone looks for comfort. And by comfort we mean wine.
Luckily, the infamous Beaujolais nouveau debuts its new bottle on Thursday, November 17th. What is Beaujolais nouveau, you might ask, wiping tears away from your puffy eyes? Only the most highly anticipated wine event of 2016.
Beaujolais Nouveau tops charts as the most popular vin de primeur wine made in the Beaujolais region of France. Perfect for the most impatient grape harvesters in France, vin de primeur is a type of wine that is sold the same year that it was harvested. In the 50’s, makers of Beaujolais saw the money-making potential in selling cheap wine at a fast turnaround rate and capitalized, thus beginning Beaujolais Day.
Every year on the third Thursday in November, people around the world celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau’s midnight release. If you like red, fruity wine, and irrationally happy people, check out these seven ways to join the Beaujolais-nation’s celebration.
The French-American Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, November 17th, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Black Label Wine Merchants (111 W. 20th Street, Manhattan)
Netflix and chill? More like Beaujolais and network, or at least that’s what the French-American Chamber of Commerce wants you to do at the Beaujolais Nouveau Networking Reception. The guests get to taste Beaujolais Nouveau—courtesy of the founder of the movement himself Georges Duboeuf—and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Information available here.
Cocktails, Classic Lyon food, and Casino games OCabanon
Thursday, November 17th, 8:00pm at OCabanon (245 W 29th Street, Manhattan)
The restaurant OCabanon in Chelsea is partaking in the Beaujolais festivities, but with a celebration like no other. This year, they’re bringing Beaujolais back in a fun, exciting way. On November 17th, the restaurant transforms into a casino, with game tables and prizes to win. They even have an accordion player (and who doesn’t love an accordion player when they’re not riding the Subway?) If you can’t get to the party, Beaujolais Nouveau and the delicacies of the Lyon region will be served throughout the day. Entry is free, and more information is available here.
The Ordre of Compagnons du Beaujolais
Monday, November 21st, 6:30pm at GLOO Bistro Food & Wine (78 Carmine Street, Manhattan)
Just like every year, the Order of Compagnons du Beaujolais in NYC will be gathering in honor of Beaujolais. On November 21st, the club meets at GLOO Bistro Food & Wine for cocktails and canapés at 6:30pm, with dinner served at 7:30pm. Tickets are $85.00 for non-members, and covers the cost of food, Beaujolais wines, taxes, tips, and—as the website says—“joy.” More information available here.
Tasting Party at Daniel Boulud
Thursday, November 17th, at 9:30pm at db Bistro Moderne (55 W. 44th Street, Manhattan)
French chef Daniel Boulud will be hosting his own Beaujolais Nouveau party in his restaurant db Bistro Moderne on Thursday, November 17th, starting at 9:30pm. Of course, one can’t be in the restaurant of such a praised chef without eating, so Boulud will be serving a few other treats to snack on throughout the evening. More information is available here.
The Westchester Alliance Française
Friday, November 18th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Westchester Alliance Française (31 Mamaroneck Avenue, 6th Floor, White Plains)
Sip on a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau at the festive Westchester Alliance Française Beaujolais party on November 18th. Tickets are reserved for the members of Alliance Francaise, so now could be the time to join. Guests spend the evening enjoying their Beaujolais, savoring the hors d’oeuvres circling the room, and participating in a few raffles. More information is available here.
Pierre Loti Wine Bar
Saturday, November 19th, 2:00-4:00pm at Pierre Loti Wine Bar (248 West 15th Street, Manhattan)
The parties will (of course) continue into the weekend. On Saturday, November 19th, Pierre Loti Wine Bar will host a Beaujolais Nouveau tasting party with four different years of Beaujolais. From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, guests can compare Beaujolais 2016 with a Beaujolais “vintage”. (Can it even be vintage if it’s only four years old?) More information is available here.
Participating Restaurants
Lastly, certain restaurants offer special menus in honor of Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Consider heading over to Tout va bien who will offer Beaujolais on Thursday, November 17th, once its released in France (311 W 51st, Manhattan). Félix will also be celebrating this special occasion, but at a more reasonable hour, on Friday, November 18th (340 W. Broadway, Manhattan).
