5th Annual Philly Wine Week kicks off at Opening Corks on Thursday, March 22

5th Annual Philly Wine Week kicks off at Opening Corks on Thursday, March 22

On Thursday, March 22 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Opening Corks will “pop” once again to kick off the 5^th Annual Philly Wine Week (PWW), the week-long, city-wide celebration of wine. At this signature kick-off event, over 100 sought-after, interesting bottles will flow and foods from the city’s best chefs may be enjoyed as guests mingle at Opening Corks’ largest venue to date: the 23^rd Street Armory. Tickets are now on sale and revelers are advised to purchase early as the event has sold out in years past. General Admission tickets are $48 and a limited amount of VIP tickets will be available at $90. VIP guests will be invited to enter at 5 p.m. for an extra hour to enjoy the tasting, as well as an exclusive champagne bar, deluxe passed hors d’oeuvres, and tasteful bites prepared by guest chefs.

            “For five years, we’ve loved watching Philadelphians embrace wine and venture outside of their comfort zone to try funky, natural wines from Australia, earthy reds from France and niche, small-production wines from anyone who is making them! We’re excited to keep PWW chugging along and spreading the word that wine doesn’t have to be complicated, fussy or saved for a special occasion,” says PWW co-founder Kate Moroney Miller.

            At this year’s Opening Corks, guests will mingle through the historic 23^rd Street Armory building in Center City as they sip their wines and enjoy interactive and inspiring displays from the creative minds behind the talented group Arts in The Industry. Along with hundreds of world-class wines that will be poured, Philadelphia’s talented food scene will represent with delicious pairings. Guests may relish savory bites from: The Good King Tavern, Di Bruno Bros., Barbuzzo, Oloroso, Jet Wine Bar, American Sardine Bar, Maison 208, Lacroix and more.

During PWW, fans may look forward to many favorite events from years past, such as Tria’s “Madeira Monday,” offering a veritable primer to the fortified wine; Vintage’s “Wine Quizzo Wednesday,” a night of wine trivia with wine-related prized and gift cards; Osteria’s “Day in the Life of a Sommelier,” when guests can play “somm” for a night as they taste through unique wine portfolios of local vendors; and Jet Wine Bar’s “Rainbow Wine Night,” featuring wines representing all colors of the rainbow. New additions for 2018 will be announced within the coming weeks, and a full list of events will be added to PWW’s website as they are confirmed from over 60 new and returning participants including: Suraya, Walnut Street Cafe, Panorama, Barcelona Wine Bar, Kensington Quarters, The Love, Hungry Pigeon, ITV, and Jamonera.

Since 2014, PWW’s mission has been to unite the area’s most passionate wine experts, its best wine bars, restaurants, boutiques, and its talented winemakers. By aligning this vibrant and tight-knit community, PWW hopes to spread knowledge, grow interest and encourage more people to embrace the convivial spirit of imbibing with wine pros, novices and fans alike. This year’s charity partner was selected for its dedication to the development and inclusion of those with intellectual disabilities through creative, individualistic means. The Center for Creative Works promotes personal growth and expression and building a cultural identity, and PWW will donate a portion of the Opening Corks ticket sales to its cause.

Philly Wine Week 2018 celebrates five years of clinking and drinking on Thursday, March 22 with its final events to be held on Thursday, March 29. For more information on Philly Wine Week and Opening Corks, please visit www.phillywineweek.org, follow PWW on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.