Wednesday, February 2: Mazzaro's Italian Market
This seminar-style tasting will feature award-winning cheese maker Willi Schmid of Switzerland who makes cheeses of various styles from all milk types including cow, goat, sheep and even water buffalo. RSVP. $25; 12-1 p.m. 2909 22nd Ave N, St Pete. 727-321-2400, mazzarosmarket.com
Thursday, February 3: Whole Foods Market
Blind tasting: Put your palate to the test and taste six wines from around the world without knowing what you're drinking. Points will be awarded for discerning the correct varietal and region, etc. Grand prize: a 3-liter bottle of Yangarra Shiraz! RSVP required. Email Maria.Gumina@Wholefoods.com to reserve your spot. Free event, 6:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tampa
Thursday, February 3: Total Wine & More St. Pete
Beer 101: Lagers and Ales, Beyond Pilsners and Pales. This journey of beer styles goes way beyond the usual grocery store choices. Taste a range of different color beers covering a wide, palate-smacking flavor spectrum. Class includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class. Class size limited to 30 people. Please call store for reservation. $15; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 4880 Park Street N., St. Pete. 727-544-6018, totalwine.com
Friday, February 4: Total Wine & More Tampa
Meet the Expert: Pierre Caizergues of Jaillance Sparkling Wines. Jaillance unites local growers, giving small vineyards the support of a large network and reliable resources. The environment and sustainability are important concerns for Jaillance and they have been moving towards Organic Cultivation. Please join Pierre as he pours two of the best selling sparkling wines in France, the Cremant de Bourgogne and Clairette de Die. Free event; 2-6 p.m. 1720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-350-9601, totalwine.com
Friday, February 4: World of Wines of South Tampa
Sample wines from Kenneth Volk Vineyard in California and the Pindar and Martha Clara Vineyards of New York, including: Aqua Pumpkin Pinot Noir, Kenneth Volk Zinfandel and Barrel Select Merlot. $10; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd, Tampa. 813-835-9463, worldofwinesofsouthtampa.homestead.com
Friday, February 4: Bern's Fine Wine & Spirits
Crush Hour: Sample eight critically acclaimed wines from Paul Hobbs Import Company. Hobbs makes wine in California and Argentina and is a true maverick in the wine world and considered one of the greatest and most influential winemakers in the world. Five cheeses from the Bern’s Cave du Fromage will be paired with the wines. RSVP required. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 South Howard Ave, Tampa. 813-250-9463, bernsfinewines.com
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.