Most every wine writer worth his glass will say skip tomorrow’s marketing jubilee: Beaujolais Nouveau C’est Arrive. They say, avoid the hype and spend your beverage dollars on wonderful bottles of Beaujolais that lend themselves to any meal year-round.

The traditional 3rd Thursday of November Beaujolais Nouveau event has become an opportunity for liquor stores and restaurants to celebrate with a pour, special pairings, and the hope that this year’s young crop may be better than in some previous years. Always dicey but for those who can’t imagine skipping a toast, a pour, or a traditional event, then tomorrow is your day.

By French law and now anticipated tradition, the young, fruity, light wine of the Gamay grape cannot be poured until 12:01 AM on that 3rd Thursday of the month, or exactly one week before the great food holiday, Thanksgiving. One of the big names in the Beaujolais region is Georges Duboeuf, and his Nouveau label has become as pervasive as this mini-celebration. For true traditionalists, his best Beaujolais Nouveau years have ended in the 9’s so get ready to enjoy the 2009.

Stores will be ready for tastings tomorrow. Then you can decide how much of a traditionalist you are.

If you’re thinking of a restaurant to try the wine or to celebrate its annual release, then consider one of the many French restaurants that participate in such an event. (Mon Ami Gabi is one national company that has plans for the evening, and some locations have decided to turn the “Day” into a week of festivities).

If you’re in Washington, DC and you’ve always wanted to visit The French Embassy, this might be your perfect excuse. Tickets are necessary, but it is a fun way to feel transported to France for an evening of wine and food in a beautiful setting. Check with your local French-American Chamber of Commerce for events in your city.

A Votre Sante; Cheers.