If you’re finishing what feels like the longest week in American history with a need for a strong drink and a bit of distraction, the city is hosting an event next week that might help take your mind off things.

The Alexandria-Caen Sister Cities Committee and the Office of Historic Alexandria is hosting a “Beaujolais Nouveau Virtual Tasting Party” as a celebration and study of French wines. The virtual event is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19.

“You are cordially invited to join us on Thursday, November 19th for a special tasting of French wines, culminating with the 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau,” the city said on an event listing. “In one evening, learn how to taste and pair French wines from a variety of styles such as effervescent sparkling wine, crisp delicious whites, bold red wines and of course the delicious Beaujolais Nouveau. Award winning wine educator and author Robert Cavanaugh leads this tasting with special tips on holiday wines, seeking out great values, and fun ways to make your food and wine pairings easier.”

The event listing noted that the Wegman’s in Alexandria (7905 Hilltop Village Center Drive) will have the wines available at the wine desk the day of the tasting.

Tickets for the tasting are $15 and the session will be held on Zoom.

The city release notes that the wines being sampled are:

Sparking: Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé (Burgundy). Pairs with salads, sushi and charcuterie.

White: La Chapelle du Bastion Picpoul de Pinet (Languedoc). Pairs with seafood, pork and poultry.

Red: Chateau Des Aladeres Corbieres Selection Vieilles Vignes

(Languedoc-Roussillon). Pairs with beef, pasta and veal.

Beaujolais Nouveau: Henry Fessy Beaujolais-Villages 2020 (Beaujolais). Pairs with lamb, steak, and brie.

Photo via Hermes Rivera/Unsplash