Who’s Up for a Wine Crawl to Benefit The Destroyed Australian Vineyards?
Who’s Up for a Wine Crawl to Benefit The Destroyed Australian Vineyards?
Since its inception in 2014, the leaders of Philly Wine Week have supported, celebrated and helped build the Philadelphia wine community that is now receiving much-deserved local and national attention. Over the years, enthusiasm and efforts have spilled over to encompass activities throughout the year, so, to further its commitment, the group desired a name that would also signal this. Now known as “Philly Wine Cru,” an ode to the wine term crumeaning “a vineyard or group of vineyards of high quality” that also evokes the meaning of similar-sounding “crew,” this hard-working group and its restaurant members will continue celebrating wine and helping fans find their next great glass in and around the city for years to come. In 2020, wine-lovers may still look forward to an annual week of events in spring: Philly Wine Week will be March 30 – April 6, and its Opening Corks will be March 29. And, in the spirit of engaging the wine community year-round, from February 6 through February 9, Philly Wine Cru members will come together to support a beloved wine region in peril: Australia.
Again, as part of their mission to support all wine regions, winemakers and others in the industry, Philly WineCru will encourage Philadelphians to toast in solidarity to Australia, whose world-class vineyards have been destroyed and threatened by devastating bushfires. Those interested in tasting and learning more about Australian wines at Philly bars and restaurants during the Australia Crawl may check for updates, participating locations, and ways to donate on Philly Wine Cru’s Instagram page. Much like this call to action, in the fall of 2018 Philly Wine Cru helped organize a fundraiser for those affected by the Sonoma County wildfires.
“Philadelphia’s wine scene is having a moment right now, with so many great wine shops, wine bars and restaurants offering incredible bottles to drink. It’s moving to see and be part of it all. We’re excited and dedicated to keep the momentum going,” says Philly Wine Cru President Sande Friedman of Di Bruno Bros. “Philly Wine Cru will still host Philly Wine Week, and we see the name change as a renewed and strengthened promise to our Philly friends and members that we’re ready to celebrate in good times and support in times of need,” adds Vice President Chloe Grigri of The Good King Tavern and new hotspot le Caveau.
This spring, to mark the start of Philly Wine Week presented by Philly Wine Cru, Opening Corks will “pop” once again, igniting a week-long, city-wide celebration of wine. This signature kick-off event will take place on Sunday, March 29 from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will feature hundreds of sought-after, interesting bottles and foods from the city’s best chefs. For the second year, Philly Wine Cru will host Opening Corks at the stunning XIX at The Bellevue, a historic and iconic hotel in the heart of Center City. 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: South Philly Taproom, Hungry Pigeon, American Sardine Bar, XIX and more. Tickets are now on sale and revelers are advised to purchase early as the event has sold out in years past. Eager guests may purchase early at a special price of $50, through February 9th using code “earlybird20.” Beyond that, General Admission tickets are $65 and a limited amount of early admission VIP tickets will be available at $125. VIP guests will be invited to enter early at 5 p.m. for an extra 90 minutes to enjoy the tasting, as well as an exclusive sparkling wine bar, raw bar, deluxe passed hors d’oeuvres, delectable bites prepared by guest chefs, plus three complimentary raffle tickets. Trade tickets for those in the industry are also available.
During Philly Wine Week, fans may look forward to many favorite events from years past, such as Jet Wine Bar’s “Rainbow Wine Night,” featuring wines representing all colors of the rainbow; a “Prosciutto di Parma Pairing” at Di Bruno Bros; and American Sardine Bar’s “Backyard Wine BBQ,” the unofficial closing ceremonies of Philly WineWeek. New additions for 2020 will be announced within the coming weeks, and a full list of events will be added to PhillyWine Cru’s website as they are confirmed from new and returning participants including: Panorama, Bloomsday Café, Jamonera, le Caveau, The Lunar Inn, Friday Saturday Sunday, Alimentari and more.
Since 2014, Philly Wine Cru’s mission has been to unite the area’s most passionate wine experts, its best winebars, restaurants, boutiques, and talented winemakers. By aligning this vibrant and tight-knit community, the group hopes to spread knowledge, grow interest and encourage more people to embrace the convivial spirit of imbibing with winepros, novices and fans alike. This year’s charity partner will be selected in the coming weeks, to whom Philly Wine Cru will donate a portion of the Opening Corks ticket sales.
Philly Wine Cru will celebrate seven years of clinking and drinking on Sunday, March 29 at Opening Corks, followed by eight days of Philly Wine Week (through Monday, April 6). For more information on Philly Wine Cru, its celebration of Philly Wine Week, and Opening Corks events, please visit www.phillywinecru.org, follow Philly Wine Week on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.
