The Jefferson Hosts a Haute Soiree at the Hotel Bel-Air

When two luxury hotels collide, only greatness can be expected.

This was certainly the case when D.C.’s Jefferson Hotel brought classic glamor to the newly renovated Hotel Bel-Air this week.

75 VIPs were invited to a one-night-only affair on Tuesday evening to celebrate summer, drink vintage wines and learn about the luxury property.

Philip A. Wood, Managing Director of The Jefferson, entertained guests with anecdotes and shared accolades about the hotel, before Jefferson’s Director of Wine, sommelier Michael Scaffidi, took to the mic to lead the vintage Madeira tasting. With Michael as maestro, a team of servers emerged in symphony with glasses of D’Oliveira, Verdelho, from 1912. After a few moments, servers re-emerged with glasses filled with Borges, Sercial from 1810.

Two authentic Thomas Jefferson artifacts on loan from the Jefferson D.C.’s exclusive collection; this is the one and only time these pieces have ever been in Los Angeles. The items included a check written on November 14, 1802 by President Jefferson during his second year in office, and a letter written while Jefferson was serving his second term as the then British Colonial Governor of Virginia. This letter is particularly special because it is also the oldest Jefferson document, dated April 27, 1781.

Silhouette artist Karl Johnson from Cut Arts impressed guests with his quick and accurate artistry. The evening was capped off with a drawing by Philip Wood and colleague Joan Esposito, Director of Sales, who randomly selected one grand prize winner to receive a 2-night hotel stay at the Jefferson DC and the “1776 Food and Wine experience” – a culinary dinner masterpiece featuring a seasonal seven course tasting menu paired with rare and unforgettable wines from the Jefferson D.C.’s  acclaimed cellar.

Guests at the event included Kate Flannery, Sarah Drew, Ivan Hernandez, Amy Yasbek (Wings), Alexis Carra, Manish Dayal, Jake O’Connor and Annika Marks as well as many Hollywood agents, managers and studio execs

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