Tuesday, February 2: 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)

Thursday, February 4: Publix Apron’s Cooking School

Wines of Monterey. We all enjoy a glass of wine while cooking (okay, maybe not all of us, but I’d wager most), so why not learn which ones will bring out the fabulous flavors of your dinner? (It’s a perfect excuse to sample new varietals, and now you have a real reason to hit the bottle while you’re cooking). Tonight’s class features Loredona Riesling, Loredona Pinot Grigio, Gnarly Head Chardonnay and Irony Pinot Noir, paired with a menu of: Thai cured salmon and ginger plum glaze served with Loredona Riesling; steamed Little Neck clams, chorizo, saffron and tomato broth served with Loredona Pinot Grigio; pan roasted halibut and fennel potato chowder served with Gnarly Head Chardonnay; and duck breast and dried cherry gastrique and whipped scallion potatoes served with Irony Pinot Noir. $45. 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Friday, February 5: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits

Bordeaux Crush Hour. Acclaimed wines from the 2005 vintage on pour tonight include: Saint-Emilion Grand Crus (including Chateau Fonplegade) and several petite Chateaus. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Friday, February 5: Uncorked Fine Wines

Hodgepodge Wine Tasting. There’s no theme tonight: no like varietals, no tandem terroirs, no similar pricing. Tonight’s tasting is, as they say, like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re gonna get. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Saturday, February 6: Suncoast Hospice Community Center

Wine, Art and Heart. A chance to sample selected cuisine from several of St. Petersburg’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Parkshore Grill, Queen’s Head, 400 Beach Drive and more, all accompanied by artisanal wines from around the world. Proceeds from the tasting and silent auction are donated to local AIDS care and pain management, bereavement counseling, hospice houses, and to aid Haiti via the Red Cross. $35. 7-10 p.m., 3050 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727-323-5857)

Many more events after the break:

This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2010.