HOPPY NEW YEAR Jumpstart your new year with a beer tasting dedicated to the main ingredient — hops. $10. 7—9 p.m. Fri., Jan. 19. Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931).
GREAT GRENACHE! Underappreciated yet so delicious, this grape is one of the world's most versatile grapes. One taste and you'll discover why it's stealing the limelight now. $10; includes souvenir glass. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 19. Uncorked, 2706 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-WINE or www.uncorkedwines.com).
INTERNATIONAL WINE FEST Savor 50 wines, food from 15 Bay area restaurants and live music at the International Fine Wine and Food Festival. Proceeds benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation. $40. 6-9 p.m. Sat., Jan 20. Nielsen Media's Grand Hall, 501 Brooker Creek Blvd., Oldsmar (813-855-4233 or UTBchamber.com).
BORDEAUX BABY Taste wines made from the five classic Bordeaux varietals — cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petite verdot and malbec, paired with artisanal cheeses. $25. 6:30-8 p.m. Fri., Jan. 19. Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits, 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463). Reservations requested.
VIVA LA FRANCE! Features wines from Alsace, Cote du Rhone, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and other regions paired with French appetizers. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 19. Charlie's Wine Cellar, 533 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-1967 or charlieswine.com).
Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 810 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, fax 813-739-4801 or e-mail winestuff@creativeloafing.com.
This article appears in Jan 17-23, 2007.