Thursday, May 21: SideBern’s
Chef extraordinaire Chad Johnson created the menu for this upscale, down home barbeque, which includes an array of tasty treats ranging from truffled fish dip to grilled mangrove snapper and smoky mustard shrimp, accompanied by palm heart coleslaw—all topped off with a strawberry parfait. Razzle dazzle your taste buds with local brews from Pepin Distributing, as well as the citrusy French brew Gayant Amadeus, or try a toasty wattle seed ale hailing from Australia. $45. 6:30-8:30 p.m., SideBern’s Patio, 2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa (813-258-2233)
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)
Friday, May 22: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
Carrollwood Deli and Cork and Olive collaborate to offer a course on pairing food and wine. Complimentary course with purchase. 6-9 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)
Saturday, May 23: Vino 100
Find the perfect summer wine to complement your Memorial Day barbecue at this tasting class. Free. 1-7 p.m., Street N., St. Pete (727-522-8466)
Saturday, May 23: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Champagne Brunch. Learn to entertain in style while enjoying those late mornings at home. This week’s lesson includes a roasted duo of garlic and pear with goat cheese quiche; spinach salad with roasted red grape and herb vinaigrette; grilled mahi mahi with port champagne reduction over rice pilaf; and bruleed champagne sabayon over berry mélange. $40. $10 a.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)
Saturday, May 23: The Grape
For a taste of the good life, try this complimentary tasting featuring four authentic Italian wines. Please call 904-642-7111 to RSVP. 1-4 p.m., 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463)
Tuesday, May 26: Put A Cork In It
Toasty Tuesday. Sample a great selection of wines from around the world along with light appetizers and live music. $15. 7-9 p.m., 28347 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel (813-973 8338)
Wednesday, May 27: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
This wine-tasting class reveals the science behind all the sniffing, swirling and swooshing so common among connoisseurs. $15. 6:30-8:30, 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)
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, May 28: Mise En Place
This monthly cocktail club features a networking hour followed by a brief presentation on a cocktail related topic. It’s not all idle chatter, though: patrons get to sample the featured drink paired with light appetizers by Chef Mary Blintz. May’s topic is “The Wide World of Flavored Vodka.” $35. 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-254-5373)
Friday, May 29: Cork and Olive Carrollwood
Toffee and Wine. While it may seem like an odd couple, the eight wines and white, milk and dark toffee presented at this tasting reveal the delights of the delectable duo. Complimentary tasting with purchase. 6-9 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733)
Saturday, May 30: Vino 100
Sippin’ Saturday. A weekly wine tasting that features a broad selection of international wines. Free. 1-7 p.m., 5056 Fourth Street N., St. Pete (727-522-8466)
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)
