Tuesday, February 16: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits
Uncorked Wine Academy. Hit the books (and the bottle!) with a certified sommelier at this wine-centric course that covers pairing food and wine; tasting techniques; grape varietals; how wine makes it from the vineyard to the glass; and how to distinguish the flavors that make your tastebuds tingle. Reservations required. $50. 7-9 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)
Wednesday, February 17: Dubliner Irish Pub
Cigar City Beer Dinner. Tonight's tasting moseys a few miles away from the heart of Ybor, but the Cigar City beer-paired, five-course, Cuban-inspired menu delivers the goods. The meal includes: Cuban toast canapes with an avocado, tomato and orange jalapeno drizzle and garbanzo bean-chorizo compote paired with the Hunahpu Imperial Stout; spring greens with manchego and roasted sweet corn salad with plantain chips and a citrus dressing paired with the Warmer Winter Winter Warmer; roasted mojo wild boar with black bean and vinegar-spiked onion relish, paired with the Humidor Series Jai Alai IPA; Cuatro del Mar paella with mussels, shrimp, scallops and grouper, paired with Batch 60 Double Cream Ale; and guava flan and pastry crisps paired with the Cubano Espresso Maduro Brown Ale. $50. 7 p.m., 12836 Henderson Rd., Tampa (813-300-2076)
Wednesday, February 17: Cafe Dufrain
Wine Time at the Cafe. Live entertainment and hors d'oeuvres perfectly paired with selections from the world-class wine list combine to create an ideal end to hump day. Proceeds benefit the Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute and Tampa Attractions Association. $15. 6-8 p.m., 707 Post Harbour Drive, Harbour Island (813-471-1548)
Thursday, February 18: Cork and Olive
How to be a Wine Snob When it Matters. Now you'll know what everyone's game is when they sniff, swirl, look and sip. Drink and learn, young grasshopper. $10. 6:30-8 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-868-3733)
Many more events after the break:
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2010.