BEER MINGLE Café Alma and the Abilities Foundation host a fundraiser beer tasting, featuring handcrafted imported and domestic brews, and food from Café Alma. $35 in advance, $45 at door. 5-9 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 8. Café Alma, 260 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-502-5002 or www.cafealma.com).
SENSORY EXPLORATION Explore California and Oregon in one night, with wines and winemaker commentary from Adelsheim Vineyards and Storybook Mountain paired with appetizers from Mise en Place. $100. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 8. Mise en Place Restaurant, 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. (813-254-5373).
SPAIN AND SOUTH AMERICA Taste an extensive selection of wines from up and coming areas of Spain and South America. $25 per person. 3-6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 11. B-21 Fine Wine and Spirits, 43380 U.S. 19, Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049, ext. 210 or www.b-21.com). Limited space and RSVP required.
CHAMPAGNES DYMYSTIFIED Join Michael Roberts, wine educator, for a class on appreciating the beauty of bubblies — the styles, the grapes and process. $25. 6:30-9 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 15. Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. (813-879-2931 or vintagewinecellars.net). Limited space.
MARVELOUS MALBEC This grape is a hidden gem, made famous recently by Argentina. They are produced all over the world now. $10; includes souvenir glass. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 9. Uncorked, 2706 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-WINE or www.uncorkedwines.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 Feb 7-13, 2007.