Madeira Tasting, Thursday, April 10, 2025 6:00PM

Item details

Date

Thursday, April 10, 2025 6:00PM

Name

Madeira Tasting

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Description

Madeira, a fortified wine that could withstand the journey across the Atlantic Ocean without losing its flavor, was a popular drink with many prominent Patriots. George Washington enjoyed the drink personally, and purchased bottles to share with his officers during the war. John Hancock was involved in a customs dispute regarding the importation of Madeira, resulting in rising tensions between Boston colonists and British economic policies. Thomas Jefferson even toasted the signing of the Declaration of Independence with the drink. 

Participants will enjoy tastings, light snacks, and a short talk about the history of Madeira, as well as after-hours access to VMHC's signature VA250th exhibition, Give Me Liberty:  Virginia & The Forging of a Nation.

This event is presented in collaboration with Common House - a social club, coworking space, and event venue designed for connection in Richmond’s Arts District, as well as Broadbent Wines.

Bartholomew Broadbent, founder of Broadbent Wines, will provide tasting notes and talking points about the history of Madeira. He is renowned in the industry for re-launching Madeira in the United States in 1989, and has been named “fifty most influential in the wine world…faces to watch in the new millennium” by Decanter as well as one of ten in the world to be “driving the most revolutionary changes in wine” by Wine & Spirits.

Parker Girard has been working in bars and restaurants since 2014, spending time in Charlottesville and Washington, DC before settling in Richmond.  He was invited to lead the beverage program Common House in summer 2021. Birdie’s, a Common House concept that opened in fall 2021, was named “Best New Restaurant in Virginia” by Southern Living Magazine.  Parker’s work in hospitality and beverage has been featured in the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and PBS Newshour.

Schedule:

• 5:00-6:00 Participants are welcome to arrive early to explore the exhibition prior to the event
• 6:00-7:00 Participants will enjoy four tastings with remarks on the wine itself, as well as some historical Madeira anecdotes before and in between each “course”
• 7:00 – 7:30 Participants are invited to mingle, ask questions, and continue to explore the exhibition
• 7:30 – Event Ends

Please note: This is a 21+ event only. IDs will be checked at the door.

Tickets go on sale March 1st. To receive updates on this and other events, subscribe to the VMHC e-Newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Admission to this program is discounted for members. Members, please login above to reserve your tickets. If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please click here. 

Tickets are not available at this time. See above for ticket release schedule.