There are tons of things to do with food and drink this weekend (check out CL's online events calendar if you don't believe us). But here are five of our favorites.
Sparkle at Winesmith from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. The St. Petersburg wine bar and retail shop will showcase Bubbly — more than five offerings, including a cabernet-based French rosé, cava and dry Vouvray — to give guests a head start on New Year's Eve planning. A selection of cheese will also be featured. $20. 620 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-826-0791.
Can't make it across the bay? No problem. Wine lovers can sip reds and whites during Holiday Reds, Holiday Whites at Tampa's Vintage Wine Cellars. Hosted from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, the seasonal wine tasting will offer guests a glass of 10 varietals from around the world. Reservations can be made online or by phone. $10. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-879-2931.
Santa Claus is set to attend Holiday Cheer & Beer, a family-friendly Safety Harbor gathering with crafts, a hot cocoa bar, bounce house, face painting and food. Adults can expect several Crooked Thumb Brewery holiday-inspired beer releases at the event, which kicks off at noon Saturday. No phone reservations or sales are being offered (score presales in the craft brewery's tasting room), and day-of tickets will be sold at the door as space allows. $10 wristbands for kids ages 2 and up required. 555 10th Ave. S., Safety Harbor, 727-724-5953.
Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, live it up at a brunch party in Seminole Heights. Ox & Fields has bottomless mimosas and tunes from DJ DMC Vybz, plus other guest DJs, planned. Executive chef Viet Vo will serve up tasty brunch eats from a special menu created just for the event, hosted by the Food & Fete Project. Tickets are available online. $25-$55. 7701 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-443-6125.
Across from Tropicana Field, head to Ferg's Sports Bar for the annual St. Pete Grilled Cheese Festival that's set to raise awareness for FurEver Friendz Inc. Local food trucks will dish their most delicious versions of the comfort food favorite alongside regular menus between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Live music will play all day, too. Free, money for food. 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-4562.
This article appears in Dec 8-15, 2016.