The Confluence of Wine, Spirits, Poetry, and History

Wine Poetic is where the worlds of wine, spirits, poetry, and history converge. This integrative, in-person workshop series, cleverly named as a play on words that reflects the deep connections between these elements, was co-created by Jackie Braje of The Poetry Society of New York and Darby Wagner, founder of GNOSES and a writer + sommelière. The series focuses on site-specific wines (and other spirits/ancestral libations) and poetry, explored through a historical and poetic lens.

In each session, we delve into the life and work of a significant poet—whether from the past or present—while pairing their work with a curated selection of wines and/or spirits from the poet’s country of origin.

By experiencing these two art forms in tandem, we invite participants to not only understand their shared emotional resonance but to feel it on a deeper level.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

WORKSHOP

Workshops are co-hosted by Darby of GNOSES and a PSNY staff or community member. The workshop typically lasts 2.5 hrs (from 8-10:30pm) with a break at the midway point. Following the workshop, we open the doors back up to the public and encourage attendees to hang out for a post-workshop salon (think open mic meets round table) until the bar closes at midnight. More on that below.

The workshop is a blend of lectures, guided and self-guided tastings, generative writing prompts, and group discussion. A curated line-up of 3-5 wines/spirits (and/or other relevant libations) are featured and discussed to reflect the poet in focus. Tasting flights are available for anywhere between $30-$40, which attendees can opt-in to during the checkout process on Eventbrite, or directly from their table during the event. Selected pairings will be revealed to you the night before the workshop via email.

Attendees learn about the life of the featured poet and the cultural zeitgeist and implications that surrounded (or surrounds) their work. A selection of 3-4 poems are read and analyzed, and attendees will go through a series of writing prompts and exercises.

SALON

The Wine Poetic salon is free and open to the public, lasts until the bar closes, and gives workshop attendees a chance to linger, digest, and re-integrate with the outside world. Pick up discussion threads from the workshop; connect with faces old and new; share and refine your writing (open mic anyone?); drink more wine, or water, or both; and enjoy a full night of wine and poetry! Completely optional, but highly encouraged!

Wine Poetic is co-produced by GNOSES.