Top 5 ways to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau

On the third Thursday of November each year, people across the globe celebrate the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau.

This red wine made from Gamay grapes is produced in the Beaujolais region of France and is bottled approximately six to eight weeks after harvest. In accordance with French law, the wine is released at exactly 12:01am to awaiting aficionados anxious to try the vin de primeur.

Lucky for all of us in the Windy City, there are plenty of options for francophiles and francophones to come together and raise a glass of the newly uncorked Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, 21 November, 2013.

Here are the top five celebrations in Chicago for you to choose from this year…

1. Passport to France

This year, the French American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago will hold its annual Passport to France event at the Union League Club of Chicago. More than 800 guests from the Chicago French-American community are expected to join together to sample French food and beverages, try their luck at a silent auction and raffle, enjoy live music, and pose for souvenir pictures at a photo booth. Unfortunately, the event is already sold-out!

2. Bistronomic

Bistronomic is offering a three-course prix fixe dinner menu created by Chef/Owner Martial Noguier. The menu, created from local and seasonal ingredients, is specifically chosen to pair well with this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. The price per person is $39. Reservations can be made online at OpenTable.com

3. Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Before you head home from work, you can stop by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine at the Chicago French Market (located next to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center) to enjoy a complimentary Beaujolais Nouveau tasting. While you sip the wine, you can receive tips from the cheesemonger on the best fromage and charcuterie to pair with the new vintage.

4. Oceanique

Oceanique’s Harvest Celebration features a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Mark Grosz. Each dish will be paired with a wine provided by the evening’s featured guest, Jean-Jaques Fertal, president of Eagle Eye Imports. The inclusive dinner is $95 per person. Reservations can be made via phone at 847.864.3435.

5. Chicago French Market

The Beaujolais Nouveau celebration continues into the weekend at the Chicago French Market.

On Saturday, you can taste the young wine as you stroll through the market, and also enjoy more than 30 specialties from market vendors.

How will you celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau? Share your plans for toasting the new vin release in the comments below.