Celebrate Global #PortDay this Friday at a Wine Bar Near You!

We all know I love wine, and representing several wine regions means I am able to host fun and informative wine-centric events. This Friday, the Center for Wine Origins, along with thousands of folks across the U.S., will celebrate “Port Day.”

Consumers from around the world are encouraged to participate in the celebration of this authentic wine and raise awareness about the need to protect the Port name. There are many quality fortified and dessert wines, but true Port only comes from the Port appellation in Portugal, one of the world’s oldest regulated and demarcated wine regions. It is by far the most beautiful wine region I've visited and the history is engrained in every vine.

This Friday join me for global #PortDay and if you are on Twitter, you can use the #PortDay hashtag and spread the word about local D.C. wine shops and wine bars and restaurants who are hosting events. Consider stopping by Bell's Wines and Spirits, Room 11, Calvert Woodley and Cork and Fork to find an authentic bottle of Port wine. My suggestions include White and Colheita Ports, along with 10, 20, or 30 year tawny Port to pair with dinner. While many think Port can only be paired with cheese and chocolate they would be mistaken. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed throughout the meal.

Just last year I hosted a Port and Champagne media dinner for the Center for Wine Origins with sommelier, Michael Scaffadi at Plume at the Jefferson. Plume's chef paired the Port and Champagne's throughout the meal. So live a little and explore Port this Friday when you head to the wine bar or your local retail store. Want to learn more about the region? Visit the Center for Wine Origins online HERE. When shopping for Port and entering the contest, make sure to look for the seal of the approval and confirm that the wine comes from Portugal.