On Thursday, November 17, wine lovers around the world will open bottles and sip the first wine of the harvest. The tradition originated in the Beaujolais region of France and is now celebrated around the world on the third Thursday of November. Made from Gamay grapes, the young, red wine is a tribute to the conclusion of the year’s fruitful harvest. Refreshing, fruit-forward and ready to appease revelers, Nouveau wine is easy to drink and the growing collection of winemakers in Portland makes people eager for a taste of the first vintage. Portland has fully embraced the day to herald Beaujolais Nouveau with a variety of celebrations around the city.

For the past several years, I've enjoyed celebrating with Southeast Wine Collective and am always eager to taste their Nouveau Nouveau Gamay Noir. Read more about the Collective's celebration, as well as other celebrations in my article for 1859 Magazine.