This may come as a shock but I love wine. I would hardly describe my taste as discerning, and while I did take a viticulture and enology course in college the main lesson retained is, “Wine is good (and good for you).”
Last summer, I attended an event by Bottlenotes at the Museum of Contemporary Art called Around the World in 80 Sips. The sold-out event was brimming with interesting wines from across the globe, including innovations such as wine in a juice-box. There were hits and misses (such as wine in a juice box) and it was a great chance to belly up to the tables of the stuff I can’t actually afford. It was deliciously fun and I can’t wait for the event’s return on May 20, 2011.
In the meantime, Bottlenotes is serving up a challenge to Chicago oenophiles. The 80 Sips Challenge tasks Chicagoans with visiting at least one of four participating restaurants and tasting six wines. Once you taste one wine from each featured winery and region, leave a tasting note on each via their new iPhone app (Bottlenotes Mobile). If, like me, you’re still waiting for the iPhone to join your Verizon family plan you can register on the Bottlenotes website to leave your tasting notes.
The 80 Sips Challenge kickoff party will take place Tuesday, January 18 at Hub51 from 6pm to 7:30pm. Toast the challenge with featured pinot noir and brut cuvee, Hub51 appetizers, and a discussion from special guest TJ Evans, winemaker of Domaine Carneros.
Lest we forget this is a challenge and not a pretext for Bacchanalia, there are prizes. All participants who complete the challenge receive a $25 Bottlenotes gift certificate and the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to each participating restaurant.
Clinking glasses, new wines, and great restaurants? I humbly accept the challenge.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
