Bordeaux and great French wine are practically synonymous. I'm guessing you have a favorite château winery.
In Roman times, both this region and its capital were known as Burdigala. Today, the city of Burdigala -- excuse me, Bordeaux -- is like a miniature Paris, blessed with beauty, culture, spectacular dining, and that signature wine everywhere.
Another great oenophiliac town, New York, is a lot easier to get to. And this coming Friday, Feb. 22nd, the Big Apple is going to celebrate Bordeaux wine. Welcome to the BurdiGala bash.
It doesn't get higher-end. BurdiGala will be held at majestic St. Bartholomew's church on Park Avenue (left). Dress is festive or black tie. Proceedings commence with an afternoon Grand Tasting of dozens of storied Bordeaux. Among these Château icons: d'Yquem, Gruaud Larose, Lynch Bages, Palmer, Pichon Longueville, and Smith Haut Lafitte.
Next, a reception will free-pour Champagne Billecart-Salmon. And then, guests will embark on a luscious, wine-centric feast presided over by Gallic top toque Alain Ducasse.
How wine-centric? Fifty sommeliers (yes, 50) overseen by Jean-Georges Restaurant Group's Bernard Sun will pour (and pour and pour) your chosen elixir, some from Bordeaux's St. Emilion (whose eponymous patron saint is seen here). All BurdiGala profits will benefit scholarships at the Guild of Sommeliers.
Wine lovers, remain calm. Find out about BurdiGala events and reservations. Or call 212.481.0322.
- Where to stay in Bordeaux: a welcoming design hotel (left) called MGallery Burdigala >>
- Where to stay in NYC, a 10-minute walk from BurdiGala: An all-suites midtown gem (below right) with two Gordon Ramsay eateries and ample Bordeaux, The London NYC >>
- And should you need a reminder why a visit to NYC is always a good idea >>
Photos from top: Bordeaux clock tower and macarons; Statue of Liberty ©Karen Tina Harrison. St. Bart's church ©BurdiGala. St. Emilion and Brooklyn Bridge ©Karen Tina Harrison. Hotel rooms: ©MGallery Burdigala and ©The London NYC. Manhattan from seat 7A into LaGuardia ©Karen Tina Harrison.