Editor's Note: This weekend's Tampa Bay Food & Wine Experience events have been potponed until February. See event website for more details: unleashyourpalate.com
Wednesday, September 28: Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant – Tampa
Explore the wine and tapas regions of Spain at this tasting event. Enjoy twelve Spanish wines each paired with authentic tapas tastings. Proceeds to benefit Hands Across the Bay. Purchase tickets here. $20; 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1502 S Howard Ave., Tampa (private residence), cevichetapas.com
Wednesday, September 28: A Taste For Wine
Enjoy a tasting full of delightful and refreshing white wines. $12; 6-8:30 p.m. 241 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-895-1623, tasteforwine.net
Wednesday, September 28: Bianchi's Enoteca
It's "Pasta Wednesday" at Bianchi's and that means they're serving up yet another pasta special. This week, get a dish of crab linguine and a glass of wine for $19.95. The catch: only 10 orders will be made and it's first come, first serve. 6-8 p.m. 3215 S MacDill Ave. Suite G, Tampa, 813-837-2233, bianchisenoteca.com
Wednesday, September 28: Fine Wine & Spirits Warehouse
Attend this tasting and try over 35 wines from producers such as Mt. Veeder, Stag’s Leap, Merryvale, Groth, paired with appetizers from CDB's Southside at the home of Mike Kwasin. Proceeds to benefit the Hillsborough Head Start Community Foundation that that partners with families and the community to build a foundation for self-reliance. For more information call 813-837-8941 or email us at Finewines@Mindspring.com. Suggested donations: $25, $40 per couple; 6-8 p.m. 3613 S. Beach Dr., Tampa.
Thursday, September 29: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits – St. Pete
It's another installment of ABC's tastings featuring over 50 wine selections from around the globe and cigars. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase the night of the event. $10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 3535 4th Street N, St. Pete, 727-894-4875, abcfws.com
Thursday, September 29: Total Wine & More – St. Pete
A classic 'Old World' vs. 'New World' style comparison and taste of brewing history. Savor classically-brewed beers from countries such as Germany, Belgium, and England alongside North American beers brewed with inspiration from these old world brewing styles at this class. Includes beer selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the beer presented in class. RSVP by calling. $15; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 4880 Park Street N., St. Pete, 727-544-6018, totalwine.com
Friday, September 29: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Taste 20 of Fleming's 100 new bottles on the menu and nibble on tasty small plates every Friday evening in September. See a full list of wines on website. RSVP required. $25; 5:30-7 p.m. 4322 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com
Friday, September 30: Centre Club Tampa
Attend the Centre Club's annual Dueling Chefs Competition, pitting Tampa Bay favorites Ceviche and GrillSmith against one another, to help raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Center. You'll get to sample the chefs' dishes with the secret ingredient, enjoy live music, cocktails and have the chance to purchase original artwork by the Cancer Center’s kids. Purchase tickets here. $60, $100 for a couple; 6-10:30 p.m. 123 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-286-4040, clubcorp.com/Clubs/Centre-Club
Friday, September 30: Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits
At this Crush Hour tasting, sample Champagne and sparkling wine from around the world including Louis Roederer, Bollinger, Laurent Perrier, Langlois and more. Call to RSVP. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 South Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-9463, bernsfinewines.com
Friday September 30: Dale 1891
Join Tampa Bay Uncorked for an exclusive wine tasting at Tampa newest gastropub — Dale 1891. Guests will get to sample 8 wines from Southern Wine & Spirits and appetizers from Dale 1891 at this "soft opening" of sorts. Proceeds to benefit Florida's chapter of Operation Homefront supporting our military members and their families. Bonus: The first 50 tickets sold online will also receive one complimentary movie ticket to The Channelside Cinemas. Purchase tickets here. $25 in advance, $30 at the door; 7-9 p.m. 11742 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, tampabayuncorked.com
Friday September 30: Mainsail Suites Hotel
It's the 15th annual Night of the Iguana — a celebration to benefit children with life threatening medical conditions in the Suncoast Region. Get gussied up and enjoy food from local restaurants, dancing, live auctions, gaming tables, and an open bar. Purchase tickets here. $100; 7-11 p.m. 5108 Eisenhower Blvd, Tampa, nightoftheiguana.wishcentral.org
Friday, September 30: The Wine Shop of St. Pete
Taste what's new at The Wine Shop, including the new vintage of Uppercut Cabernet, Beringer Knight's Valley Cabernet, Molly Dooker Two Left Feet as well as the Boxer, Joseph Drouhin St Veran, Clos du Bois Reserve Cabernet 2007 and many more. RSVP required; call 727-363-9463 or email bbwineshop@bbwineshop.com. $10; 7 p.m. 3161 4th Street N., St. Pete, 727-363-9463, bbwineshop.com
Friday, September 30: Vintage Wine Cellars
At this tasting, sample wines from Tuscany, famous for their zesty reds from Chianti to Montalcino. Discover three whites and seven reds that are simply Bellisimo! RSVP required, contact: 813-879-2931 or email tastings@vintagewinecellars.net. $10; 7-9 p.m. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, vintagewinecellars.net
Saturday, October 1: Anderson Park, Downtown Tampa
Part silent auction, part village marketplace, part open house, the first-ever Tampa Food Swap on Sat., Oct. 1, will allow local cooks and bakers to connect over a shared passion — food! The event will showcase homemade, homegrown and foraged creations that will act as personal currency to swap with other participants. The concept: Each "swapper" will display his or her homemade wares on tables along with swap offer sheets. Participants will then walk around sampling items from other swappers and write down what they'd like to trade on the swap sheets, the food negotiations ensuing afterward. This is a free event, but all swappers and attendees must pre-register at tampafoodswap.com to be able to participate. Free; 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Kate Jackson Community Center at Anderson Park: 821 S. Rome Ave., Tampa, tampafoodswap.com
Saturday, October 1: South Tampa Dubliner
Proving that even the Irish honor the Oktoberfest celebrations (and because it's another excuse to drink), the South Tampa Dubliner will be throwing another German-themed bash full of brews, traditional German fare and guys and gals in "traditional" Bavarian costumes. This all-day shindig will feature Oktoberfest themed contests like the two person log sawing competition and a stein holding contest, as well as giveaways, live music and plenty of German beer and brats to go 'round. Admission includes a free beer stein and tickets are available for pre-purchase at the pub. $5 (drinks not included); 2 p.m.-3 a.m. 2307 W Azeele St., Tampa, 813-258-2257, thedublineririshpub.com
Saturday, October 1: Ybor City
The Ybor Oktoberfest Pub Crawl is back for another year of boozing and cruising in the historic and infamous Ybor District. This year's event will feature 18 pubs and patio bars from one end of the District to the other — each pub will be offering a complimentary 4-ounce beer, many spots will be giving out freebies and some will even have German food for sale. To add even more fun to this fest, the pub crawl's official "Prize Patrol" will District awarding gift certificates to participants who can answer Oktoberfest trivia questions (so be sure to browse Wikipedia beforehand). Registration will take place in the Centro Ybor courtyard where Pub Crawl t-shirts and a maps will be provided (and costumes are encouraged). Purchase tickets here or on the day of the event if they're still available (registration will close at 6 p.m.). $25; 4-8 p.m. 1600 East 8th Ave., Tampa, 813-241-8838, centroybor.com
Saturday, October 1: Cheese Please
To celebrate their one year anniversary with a special cheese sampling paired with condiments and wines. RSVP required. $20; 7 p.m. 4213 S Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813-766-0060, cheesepleasetampa.com
Monday, October 3: Independent Bar and Cafe Tampa
The Indie's first Monday Movie Night will showcase the fine, brewcentric films Strange Brew and Beerfest. Enjoy one of their many tasty beers while enjoying these comedic gems. Free; 8 p.m. 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, independenttampa.com
Wednesday, October 5: Cru Cellars
Meet up at Cru for their monthly Wine and Words book club meeting. This month's book is Rule of Civility by Amor Towles. Admission includes a glass of wine and cheeses. RSVP: jen@crucellarstampa.com. $15; 6:30-9:30 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2011.
