Wednesday, August 17: A Taste for Wine
Experience Mer Soleil's unoaked Chardonnays fermented in cement tanks at this tasting event. $10; 6-8:30 p.m. 241 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-727-895-1623, tasteforwine.net
Wednesday, August 17: 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 spicy penne arrabiata 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, August 17: The Grape at International Plaza
Taste great wines and help those in need at this interactive charity wine event. Admission includes red carpet VIP entry, a gift bag, a complimentary ticket for the raffle, access to bid on unique silent auction items, 4 glasses of wine, wine education, hor d’ouevres and more. Proceeds of this event go directly to the support of Granted Wishes, Inc., a Tampa-based, National 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to the aggressive reduction of loneliness, depression and suicide in the adult & elderly populations throughout America. Tickets can be purchased through grantedwishes.org. $45 in advance, $50 at the door; 6-9 p.m. 2223 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-965-0805, thegrape.com
Thursday, August 18: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits – Wesley Chapel
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, 6-8 p.m. 1845 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 813-782-1389, abcfws.com
Thursday, August 18: Whole Foods Market
At this monthly cheese tasting, sample cheeses from Jasper Hills Farms in Vermont, to Rogue Creamery in Oregon, to Uplands Dairy in Wisconsin. Guests will also sample a few wines paired with the cheeses to bring out their flavor and richness. Please register by the exit lobby or by emailing Maria.Gumina@wholefoods.com. Free; 6:30-7:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Friday, August 19: World of Beer – St. Pete
To celebrate Hawaiian Independence Day (I didn't even know they had their own), WOB 4th Street will be offering a pig roast, skim board raffle, Hawaiian beers on tap and $3 Kona Brewing Longboard drafts. Call for event time. Free; 5226 4th St. N., St. Pete, 727-525-4589, 4thstreet.wobusa.com
Friday, August 19: IKEA Restaurant
Join IKEA for their yearly kräftskiva celebration, celebrating the end of summer and the bounty it brings. It's an all-you-can-eat crayfish (a.k.a.: crawfish) buffet with other traditional Swedish delights as well. Call store to purchase advance tickets as seating is limited. Adults: $9.99, kids: $2.49; 5-7 p.m. 1103 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 813-623-5454, ikea.com/us/en/store/tampa
Friday, August 19: Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits
At this Crush Hour tasting, sample the superb 2008 vintage Oregon Pinot Noirs from Shea Wine Cellars, Beaux Freres, Lange, Willamette Valley Vineyards and more. Call to RSVP. $25; 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 South Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-9463, bernsfinewines.com
Friday, August 19: Vincenzo’s Grill
Vincenzo's Grill in the St. Pete Marriott will be hosting a Kim Crawford winemaker dinner (best known for their excellent wines from New Zealand), complete with a five-course menu with wine pairings, live charity auction and special discounts on the wine selections served. Dinner and auction proceeds will benefit abilities' job placement services for disabled veterans returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seating is limited; RSVP to Lisa Johnson, 727-538-7370 x234. $60; 6:30 p.m. St. Pete Marriott: 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, St. Pete, 727-572-7800, thevgrill.com
Friday, August 19: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Guests who attend this unique pairing dinner will receive both beer and wine selections with each course. This dinner, featuring libations from Terroir Wine Cellars and Cigar City Brewing, will include a five-course seated dinner prepared by Fleming's Chef Partner Ryan Mitchell and Sous Chef Pedro Anzardo. Paul Clear, founder of Terroir Wine Cellars and Joey Redner, founder of Cigar City Brewing, will also be in attendance. (Because it may be a bit of a drive for Tampa Bay folks, it may be a good idea to have a designated driver or nearby hotel room for the night.) $115 ((includes tax and gratuity); 6:30 p.m. 2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, 941-358-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com
Friday, August 19: Vintage Wine Cellars
Sparkling wines are the perfect remedy for this summer heat! Sample ten of them in a variety of styles at this special tasting — from Cava to Prosecco to Champagne. RSVP: 813-879-2931 or email tastings@vintagewinecellars.net. $10; 7-9 p.m. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931, vintagewinecellars.net
Friday, August 19: Whole Foods Market
Drop the empty calories, set the oil to the side and learn how wonderful food can taste when it’s not covered in fat. Take this free cooking class that will teach you techniques for oil-free cooking. Register by the exit lobby or by emailing Curtis.Whitwam@wholefoods.com. Free; 7-8 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com
Friday, August 19: The Wine Shop of St. Pete
Sample 15 tasty Pinot Noirs at this special tasting event: Belle Glos, Duckhorn Goldeneye, Mondavi, Charles Krug, Hess, and more. Admission includes wine samples and nibbles. Must RSVP by this Thursday at noon. $15; 7 p.m. 3161 4th Street N., St. Pete, 727-363-9463, bbwineshop.com
Saturday, August 20: Cigar City Brewing
CCB is honoring the fruity beer at 'Fruit in the Room', an all-you-can-drink tasting event by featuring 20 of their own fruit-filled creations and 10 by guest breweries. They'll also have the exclusive Guava Groove on sale for $10 a bottle. Advance tickets are limited and if they sell out, there will be none available at the door. For non-ticket holders, all beers will be available for purchase at $5 a pint. To get your tickets ASAP, visit the CCB Tasting Room or email Toni@cigarcitybrewing.com. $40 in advance, $45 at the door; 4-7 p.m. 3924 W Spruce Street Suite A, Tampa, 813-348-6363, cigarcitybrewing.com
Monday, August 22: Datz
Beat the heat by learning to make Chef Jeni's ice cream while enjoying a Datz Signature Sandwich, then finish with an ice cream tasting. Pick from one of two times and register online here. $20; 12:30 and 6 p.m. 2616 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, 813-831-7000, datztampa.com
This article appears in Aug 11-17, 2011.