What do Beaujolais and the Blues have in common? Soul. Lots and lots of soul. That’s why UHD’s Executive Director of Continuing Education Janet Harreld decided to pair the two for an unforgettable evening celebrating the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine of the French harvest, and the soulful sounds of Houston’s own The Mighty Orq (a UHD alum at that!).  

The event is slated for 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, for a reason: It’s the release date of the 2025 Beaujolais Nouveau. In fact, the wine is released on the third Thursday each November, hailed by the French with “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!”  

What to expect: 

  • Wine tasting: Sample the new vintage of Beaujolais from three or four different vineyards. Known for its light, playful, fruit-forward flavors—think strawberries, raspberries, cherry, even hints of banana and bubblegum—this early-release wine is truly delicious and made to be enjoyed with gusto. The beautiful flavors and aromas, as well as the complexity, reveal something almost magical about Beaujolais Nouveau. 
  • Live music: Experience one of Texas’s most exceptional and hard-working blues musicians, The Might Orq. He is bayou blues in a suit and tie coupled with classical virtuosity and swampy juke joint fun that is mischievous and free. (Music to begin at 6:30 p.m. for the duration of the event.) 
  • Delicious light bites: Enjoy charcuterie, fabulous cheeses, fresh fruits, and sweets. There will be food and wine stations so participants will be encouraged to mix and mingle. 
  • Cultural experience: Learn what makes Beaujolais unique and celebrated as “a wine that wants to be drunk joyously.” Be sure to be on time for a brief talk.  

Know more:  

Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. It is classified as a vin de primeur, meaning it is released for sale shortly after fermentation, typically just a few weeks after the grapes are harvested. The wine is designed to be consumed within six months of its release. 

Beaujolais & Blues will be held on the 10th floor of 1801 Main St., and parking is free. Tickets are $60 per person and $100 per couple. Tickets can be purchased HERE.