Friday, Feb. 27: Southern Brewing Supply
The Best Florida Beer Championships invites you to the 6th Annual "Try This! Beer and Food Pairing." Sample craft and homebrew beers with creative cuisine. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 7:30-10:30 p.m., 1717 E Busch Blvd, Tampa (813-765-1289)
Friday, Feb. 27: Cork
Sample Bordeaux varietals in Cork's wine garden at "A Time to Taste" wine tasting. Seven hand-selected wines will be paired with an international selection of cheeses. $15. 6-7:30 p.m., 29 N Blvd of the Presidents, Sarasota (941-388-2675)
Friday, Feb. 27: Cafe Ponte
Wine specialists will walk guests through a tasting featuring South American Wines, and Chef Chris Ponte will cook up some hors d'ouevres. $15. 5-7 p.m., 13505 Icot Blvd, Clearwater (727-538-5768)
Friday, Feb. 27: Bern's Fine Wine
At Rhone Crush Hour, taste the wines of Guigal – including a Hermitage, Condrieu, Cotes du Rhone Blanc and Cotes du Rhone Rouge. Wines will be paired with five artisan cheeses. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 South Howard Ave, Tampa (813-250-9463)
Friday, Feb. 27: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
At this wine happy hour, sample new arrivals and three selected wines (usually available by the bottle). Appetizers are half-priced. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)
Friday, Feb. 27: Toast Fine Wine & Cigars
Join Toast for their monthly wine tasting, featuring appetizers and 15-18 different wines. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa (813-632-3105)
Friday, Feb. 27: Last Friday Concert Series-Mardi Gras Festival
This monthly outdoor music festival at Historic Williams Park in downtown St. Pete features New Orleans music, gumbo, beer and wine. $25. 6-7 p.m., 299 1st Ave., St. Petersburg (770-401-6410)
Friday, Feb. 27: Vintage Wine Cellars
At the Breaking Down Bordeaux Wine Seminar, sample varieties of wine produced from different kinds of Bordeaux. Reservations required. $25. 7:30-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931)
Friday, Feb. 27: Uncorked
Sample different varietals, including Shiraz, Malbec and Pinot Gris. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)
Friday, Feb. 27: Spring Into March Wine & Food Sampling
Enjoy live music and wine and food samples from merchants at Downtown St. Pete Beach. Free. 5-8 p.m., 400 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach (727-363-6888)
Phew, busy Friday. More upcoming events after the break:
This article appears in Feb 25 – Mar 3, 2009.