Thursday, May 14: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits St. Pete
Sample dozens of wines, enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines, and chat with our wine experts. $5 includes souvernir wine glass. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 6398 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Pete (727-527-1579).
Friday, May 15: American Spirits
Taste 15-20 wines from around the world. Free. 7-9 p.m., 280 3rd Street S., St. Pete (727-895-8700).
Friday, May 15: Bern's Fine Wines and Spirits
Wines of Italy Crush Hour. Sample wines from Alto Adige, Piedmont, Umbria, Sicily and Tuscany (including two highly rated 2004 Brunello di Montalcinos) paired with five Italian cheeses from the Bern's Cave du Fromage. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463).
Friday, May 15: Carrollwood Cork and Olive
Spend the evening tasting wine while browsing art. The local artist, Trish, will be on hand to showcase her work. Free. 6-9 p.m., 10019 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733).
Friday, May 15: Uncorked Fine Wines and Accessories
Enjoy an indoor picnic and wine tasting with proceeds to benefit the National MS Society. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463).
Friday, May 15: Vintage Wine Cellars
Italian Intrigue Tasting. Delve into 10 new bellisimo bottlings that have just arrived, featuring unusual grapes like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Corvina, and Arneis. Paired with cheeses. $10. 3629 Henderson Blvd, Tampa (813-879-2931).
Saturday, May 16: Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival
This event at the Don Cesar Resort will feature wine and food tastings, seminars by celebrity chefs and live performances. The biggest national name this year is former Next Food Network Star's JAG, but the lineup of local culinary talent is the bigger draw. $75, 1-4 p.m., 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. More info or 813-258-5858.
Saturday, May 16: Uncorked Fine Wines and Accessories
Swanky Spain Tasting. Crianza, Reservas, Gran Reservas and Selecciones from Rioja, Penedes, Ribera del Duero, Jumilla and more. Also sherries, including instruction on the nuances of sherry and its different flavor profiles. Advanced reservations required, heavy hors d'oeuvres served. $25. 7-9 p.m. 2706 4th Street N., St. Pete (727-892-9463).
Saturday, May 16: WineMall
Join WineMall Tampa and Underdog Wine Merchants as they present "Tail Waggin' Wines made by and for Dog Lovers," featuring wines and the winemaker, Chris Lynch, from Mutt Lynch Winery in California. Free. 2-4 p.m., 11246 Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711).
Monday, May 18: WineMall
An evening of wine and food pairing featuring Paul Clear and the wines of Kluge Estate and food prepared by Chef Camile of Culinary Wizardry catering. RSVP requested. $20. 7-9 p.m., 11246 Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711).
Tuesday, May 19: Publix Apron's Cooking School
Beyond Burgers. Burgers can be fun and tasty when you step outside the "burger" box. Learn to make recipes like Stilton Stuffed Burger with Herb Vinaigrette; Crab "Burger" with Wasabi Tartar Sauce; and Grilled Portabella "Burger" with Roasted Garlic Aioli; Sangria Salad; Malted Fries. $35. 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465).
Wednesday, May 20: World of Wines South Tampa
Wine-Down Wednesday. A wine tasting featuring several bottles from California, Chile and Australia along with snacks from Robert's Catering. Free. 6- 8 p.m., 3431 South West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463).
Thursday, May 21: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Old World vs. New World. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-664-1430).
Thursday, May 21: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits Carrollwood
Wine tasting and Cigar Smoker. Sample dozens of wines, enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines, and chat with our wine experts. $5 includes souvernir wine glass. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 14729 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-264-1881).
Friday, May 22: Vintage Wine Cellars
This evening offers the "Zen of Zin," a tasty tour that promises to raise your spirits. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931).
Wednesday, May 27: Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City
Blindfolded Winemaker Dinner featuring Torres wines from Spain. Enjoy multiple courses while using only your sense of touch, taste, smell and hearing to experience the meal and wines, and to "see" how lack of sight affects your senses. Benefits the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research. $100. 7 p.m., 2117 East 7th Ave., Tampa (813-248-4961).
Thursday, June 4: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — food, cheese and wine pairings. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-664-1430)
Sunday, Jun. 14: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
B-21's Tour of Italy tasting and sale will feature Italian wines such as Barolo, Chianti Classico and Supertuscans. $25 before Jun. 12, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)
Thursday, June 18: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Aromas and Bouquets of Grape Varietals. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-664-1430)
Thursday, July 2: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Tasting Wines from Around the World. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-664-1430)
Thursday, July 16: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Dessert Wines and Sweet Treats. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa (813-664-1430)
Saturday, Aug. 8: Vino, Java and Jazz
This event at the Florida Aquarium will feature wine samplings, special dishes, desserts, coffee and jazz music. Proceeds from a silent auction will go toward the Tampa Bay Region of the Easter Seals Florida organization. $65 in advance, $80 at the door. 7-11 p.m., 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa (813-769-5915)
Sunday, Aug. 16: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
Celebrate selections of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the Best of Burgundy and Beyond tasting and Sale. $25 before Aug. 14, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)
