When the Lauren’s 29 luxury condos went on the market last fall, the Bethesda development raised eyebrows with a record-setting price tag of $10.5 million for its penthouse apartment. Of course, the pricey place offered a long list of lavish amenities—not least of which included a private, climate-controlled wine locker and access to the building’s shared wine lounge.
Clearly the development has its sights set on oenophiles. Last week, the Lauren appointed a Sommelier in Residence, which will complement the development’s “wine programming.” And the hire isn’t a no-name, either: It’s Jarad Slipp, one of only three Master Sommeliers in the DC area, and one of just 219 that have been inducted in 40 years worldwide. Currently the estate director at Fauquier county’s RdV Vineyards, Slipp’s resume also includes a five-year stint at CityZen.
As Sommelier in Residence, Slipp will advise aficionados on growing their wine collections through custom consultations that will take into account personal taste, food pairing, and collection valuation, and he’ll be available quarterly for on-site tastings and workshops set to take place in the 1,500-square foot wine lounge.
Condo buyers will also snag a yearlong membership to the RdV Ambassadors program, which includes specialty vintages, invites to winery events, private tastings at the vineyard, and an assortment of limited releases that will await their arrival on move-in day.
Sound appealing? You’ll have to shell out—the three condos currently on the market cost as much as $4.845 million.
