The Confluence of Wine, Spirits, Poetry, and History

Wine Poetic is where the worlds of wine, spirits, poetry, and history converge. It was created in the summer of 2023 by poet, educator, and COO of PSNY, Jackie Braje, and writer, experience designer, and rogue sommelier, Darby Wagner, of GNOSES. In this immersive symposium, the life and work of a noteworthy poet is explored alongside a selection of site-specific wines (and at times, spirits & other ancestral libations) from the same country of origin.

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

Selected readings bleed into mini lectures, which segue into guided tastings and generative writing exercises, all of which spark riveting repartee and incredible poetry to be written and felt in equal measure. Every gathering is an opportunity to hone one's craft, discover new histories, broaden the palate, and redefine the poetic experience - all in the intimacy of candlelight and true togetherness.

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.

Beginning in 2025, all ticket holders agree to opting-in to the *wine tasting component of this class. This is a decision we've made to improve the cohesiveness of this program and create a more immersive experience on a collective level. Our resident partner, **Anaïs, will collect payment for the tasting (between $16-20 + gratuity) upon arrival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. P.S. Be sure to look out for an email the night before the workshop where the featured wines/beverages will be unveiled !

*NA options available upon request.

**If the workshop is hosted by another venue, specific details around the tasting will be written on the Eventbrite page so please read carefully before purchasing your ticket! 

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

SYMPOSIUM

Each symposium is co-hosted by Darby of GNOSES and a PSNY staff or community member. The class typically lasts 2~2.5 hrs (from 8-10:30pm) with a break at the midway point. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY OR ON TIME! 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.

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.