The Intoxicologist Is In

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Wine enthusiasts rejoice! Beaujolais Nouveau Day is just around the corner, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Majestic Wine & Spirits are playing host to three public tasting parties on Nov. 20 to celebrate the release of the first wine of the 2008 harvest.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day, held around the world every year on the third Thursday in November, marks the debut of the first wine made from the annual harvest of Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. An affordable red wine — $13.99 at Wine & Spirits stores across Pennsylvania — Beaujolais Nouveau pairs well with Thanksgiving turkey and other holiday foods. Declared a holiday by winemaker Georges Duboeuf in the 1960s, Beaujolais Nouveau Day continues to grow as more and more people eagerly anticipate the fruity taste and fresh-off-the-vine appeal of the wine.

“We are again thrilled to welcome the year’s first vintage by celebrating with events in three cities across the state,” said PLCB Chairman Patrick “P.J.” Stapleton III. “We’ve received a confident report from Duboeuf about this season’s harvest, so November 20 is sure to be a day of delicious celebration.”

This year, tasting parties will be held in eastern, central and western Pennsylvania. Each is free and open members of the public 21 and over, with Beaujolais tasting and hors d’oeuvres:

East: Sofitel

120 South 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

5 – 7 p.m.

Central: Harrisburg Hilton

One North Second Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

5 – 7 p.m.

West: The Renaissance Hotel

107 Sixth Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

5 – 7 p.m.

Majestic Wine & Spirits, importer of Duboeuf wines, has been working with the PLCB to ensure Beaujolais Nouveau Day will be enjoyed by event attendees, wine enthusiasts and amateurs alike. In addition to the three Beaujolais Day events, more than 100 free tastings will be held in Wine & Spirits stores throughout November and December. A variety of restaurants across the state will also feature Beaujolais Nouveau. A complete list of participating restaurants is available online at www.pa-duboeuf.com.

“The release of the first wine of the French vintage, Nouveau Beaujolais, is always a celebration of wine and life and camaraderie,” said Edward Murray, state manager of Majestic Wine & Spirits. “The easy-to-drink wine is meant to be consumed now, while its fresh, bright aromas and racy texture are at their peak. We encourage adult Pennsylvanians to take part in the tradition by visiting one of our Beaujolais Day events, a restaurant tasting or their neighborhood Wine & Spirits store.”

www.pa-duboeuf.com