Wine Tasting Nights in Paris at Bar 228 in Hotel Le Meurice

Looking for a decadent wine tasting experience while visiting the City of Light? Le Meurice-- the glamorous palace hotel that's part of the Dorchester Collection-- has just launched Les Nocturnes du 228, a series of monthly wine tasting events at Bar 228 with selections from Chef Sommelier Estelle Touzet, awarded Best Chef Sommelier of the Year 2011 by the Pudlowski Guide. Named for the hotel's address at 228 rue de Rivoli, the bar is a cozy and intimate space, designed by Philippe Starck to be reminiscent of a British gentlemen's club, complete with deep leather armchairs, wooden bar stools, rare crystal decanters, and dark wood paneling. The new tasting event will uncork superb vintages paired with gourmet delights by Michelin Three-Starred Chef Yannick Alléno. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Chef Sommelier Touzet and learn about her experience traveling through the world's top wine regions. Les Nocturnes du 228 events are priced at €90 per person, including a tasting of four wines with canapés. The program runs from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on the first Thursday of select months through 2011. Reservations are strongly recommended:

* April 7 – Wines of Germany, Touzet’s adoptive country

* May 5 – Experience California, Touzet’s first great journey

* June 2 – The Languedoc region, Touzet’s winter escape

* September 8 – Syrah

* November 3 – Riesling

* December 8 – An all-inclusive exploration of Cabernet Sauvignon, at €140 per person