Tasting: Wine 101 with Alicia Barrett

Calling all wine newbies! Join us for an accessible tasting experience in a casual, walk-around setting featuring fabulous French wines.

At this beginner-level tasting, guests will:

• Start the night with a complimentary welcome cocktail
• Discover affordable (but délicieux !) French wines
• Taste delectable French cheeses from Fromager D’Affinois
• Vibe to contemporary Franco beats by DJ Frankie French
• Learn a thing or two about tasting in a relaxed, social setting

Doors at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome cocktail. Program at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave.

About the Sommelière

Alicia Barrett is driven by a passion for crafting exceptional experiences through thoughtful, immersive wine education. With a background that bridges hospitality, retail, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a unique blend of business acumen and teaching expertise to the wine world.

Her journey began with a transformative trip to Burgundy that sparked a lifelong passion for wine and inspired her to pursue formal training at the global headquarters of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London. After returning to the United States, Alicia worked as a sommelier at the InterContinental Hotel Chicago and in fine wine retail while earning her WSET Diploma in 2020, a distinction held by just over 10,000 individuals worldwide.

As Head of Wine Education for Binny’s Beverage Depot, the Midwest’s largest wine and spirits retailer, Alicia spent six years developing one of the country’s most comprehensive retail wine education programs. She trained nearly 2,000 employees across 45 stores, elevating product knowledge, service standards, and sales performance across the company. Alicia also served as a WSET Instructor for the American Wine School. Her work has taken her around the world, collaborating with winemakers and trade professionals to design engaging, accessible, and commercially relevant wine education experiences. 

Presently, she is the Chicago-based educator for the U.S. Champagne Bureau training sommeliers, trade professionals and hospitality students at DePaul University on behalf of the region. She has founded her own company, Wine Connection, which specializes in bespoke wine tastings for corporate and non-profit clients.

About the DJ

François “DJ Frankie French” Bosseau is a Chicago-based artist who loves music, art, and fitness. He creates innovative beats and experiences for wide-ranging audiences.

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Ave. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark St and the 66 on Chicago Ave. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$12 for 12 hours at InterPark at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.