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Join us for an
Introduction to Wine
Dinner Tasting Class
October 30th 6:30pm
Embrace the spirit of Dionysus at our “Introduction to Wine” dinner, designed to make wine enjoyable and approachable for everyone! The god of wine brought his gift to the people with joy and without pretense, and our event aims to do the same. Discover key principles of wine and major varietals through exceptional selections that represent the heart and soul of each type.
Our knowledgeable hosts will guide you through the fundamentals—acidity, tannins, body, and more—while sharing stories and pairing tips that make each wine memorable. Every pour is an invitation to understand wine’s artistry and to ask questions in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Best of all, the wines we present will be available for purchase at special prices, giving you the opportunity to take home your favorites and continue exploring with confidence.
Join us for a night inspired by Dionysus, where we celebrate wine’s accessible, joyful presence. Walk away ready to enjoy wine without intimidation, carrying forward the gift of wine as it was meant to be—welcoming, fun, and for all to enjoy.
eighty dollars per person
MARK YOUR CALENDER
Santorini Master Tasting
November 6th 6:30
Join us on November 6 for an unparalleled journey into the world of Santorini wines, one of the most storied and significant wine regions on the planet. With over 3,000 years of winemaking history, this volcanic island produces some of the most distinctive and age-worthy wines globally, thanks to its quintessential volcanic soil, which imparts a unique minerality and depth to its grape varietals.
Santorini is home to some of Greece’s most renowned wines, most notably Assyrtiko, a grape known for its remarkable ability to retain acidity in the island’s hot, arid climate, producing crisp, complex, and mineral-driven wines. We will also explore the rare Mavrotragano, a red varietal that has been revived from near extinction and is now considered one of Greece’s hidden gems. These wines are incredibly limited in production, with only a handful of bottles making it out of the island each year, making this tasting a truly exclusive opportunity.
Stelios Spiliadis, a passionate scholar of Greek viticulture, will guide us through the fascinating history of Santorini’s winemaking tradition and the unique techniques that have evolved over millennia. Central to this discussion will be the concept of “Istoriko Oinopethio,” which translates to “Historical Vineyard Estate” or “Historical Wine Domain.” This term encapsulates the idea that Santorini’s ancient vineyards are not merely agricultural plots but are deeply intertwined with the island’s cultural and historical identity. For over 3,000 years, these vineyards have produced wines that carry the legacy of the land, its people, and the ancestral techniques passed down through generations. “Istoriko Oinopethio” reflects the profound connection between Santorini’s viticulture and its history, making the wine not just a product but a living embodiment of Greek tradition.
This tasting is also a unique opportunity to experience the essence of “Ancestral Hospitality,” a philosophy that is at the heart of The Black Olive. Ancestral Hospitality is rooted in ancient traditions of respect, integrity, and humility. It is about honoring the wisdom and resilience of those who came before us, and offering hospitality with sincerity, without pretense. At The Black Olive, this concept is exemplified through a dining experience that draws inspiration from thousands of years of culture, elevating food and wine to an art form that is deeply connected to history and community.
In addition to exploring these extraordinary wines, we will also delve into the broader ancient Greek food and wine culture, tasting dishes that embody the same timeless traditions. This is not just a tasting event—it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of Greek heritage, where wine and food come together in a way that reflects the continuity of an ancient culture.
This is a rare opportunity to not only taste but also purchase these exceptional wines that are unavailable in retail. Secure your spot now and embark on a journey through Santorini’s viticultural treasures, while experiencing firsthand the Ancestral Hospitality that makes The Black Olive a true exemplar of ancient Greek culture and tradition
Join us for our Santorini Master Tasting
Catoctin Creek Cocktail Dinner
November 21st
Join us as we explore the depths of one of our favorite local women owned and operated organic distilleries that make up our craft cocktail program that brings spirits made with the passion and purity that is the spirit of our food. . We will also feature guest speaker and Catoctin Creek Spirit Expert: Avalon Oona Haas, named Brand Ambassador of the Year Finalist for The National Bourbon Woman Association Becky Harris is the Founder and Chief Distiller of Catoctin Creek, a women-owned and operated craft distillery since 2009. As a chemical engineer, and President of the American Craft Spirits Association, Becky is regarded as one of the best distillers in the country, having won multiple international medals for her spirits. She is also a tireless advocate for the entire craft spirits industry.
Join us for our annual Catoctin Creek Cocktail Dinner
The Black Olive Wine list represents a history of relationships with winemakers, vineyard owners, importers, distributors, farmers, and most importantly with you our reason to be. We strive to bring you the finest wines from the entire world with a special eye on the wines that come from the tradition of Greek winemaking. These are wines that show exceptional value and qualities that compliment our cuisine. We look carefully for responsible farmers and producers of wines as we feel that good agricultural practices are essential to good wines. Many of our selections are from certified organic grapes and we intensely will question our producers about their use of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. Wine after all begins with good soil.
We have tasted through numerous wines to make each selection and patiently cellared over 5000 bottles to make sure that we have an extensive collection capable of satisfying our customers’ most demanding tastes in wines. We are committed to the best glassware to properly show our wines and will work hard to accommodate your every wine service need.
