DC entrepreneur starts monthly sparkling wine club Sparkle-ist

A D.C. bar and health club owner is on a mission to demystify sparkling wines, and has launched a monthly subscription club to showcase the many kinds of bubbles.

Lieven DeGeyndt and his wife, Rachel, curate three bottles in each delivery of Sparkle-ist, most of which include a Champagne. Subscribers for $109 a month can choose the frequency of delivery.



The three bottles chosen for each box are limited-production, most of which are made by producers who adhere to biodynamic and minimal-intervention production standards. (Courtesy Wine Box/NotJane)

The three bottles chosen for each box are limited-production, most of which are made by producers who adhere to biodynamic and minimal-intervention production standards. Choices include Prosecco, Cava, Sekt and Cremant. Tasting notes from DeGeyndt are included, as well as producer information and suggested food pairings.

“Sparkle-ist was born out of the desire to make quality sparkling wines accessible to all and to break free from misconceptions of sparkling wine as intimidating or pretentious,” DeGeyndt said.

Lieven DeGeyndt and his wife Rachel curate three bottles in each delivery of Sparkle-ist, most of which include a Champagne. Subscribers can choose the frequency of delivery, which is $109 a month. (Courtesy Beth Kennedy)

“My goal with Sparkle-ist is to introduce members to quality small-farmed bubbles that won’t be found browsing the shelves of the local grocery store, and to help them appreciate and learn more about what they drink.”

In addition to box deliveries, Sparkle-ist gives members access to both online and in-person events, and offers private tasting sessions in subscribers’ homes.

DeGeyndt previously owned Eyebar, in Farragut Square, and currently owners Petworth Fitness.

Jeff Clabaugh

Jeff Clabaugh has spent 20 years covering the Washington region's economy and financial markets for WTOP as part of a partnership with the Washington Business Journal, and officially joined the WTOP newsroom staff in January 2016.

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