Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 810 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, fax 813-739-4801 or e-mail winestuff@creativeloafing.com.
CHAMPAGNE SIPPER Vintage Wine Cellars wants to prove Champagne in the middle of the summer isn't a sin. Try 10 sparklers for $10. 7—9 p.m. Fri., Aug. 24. Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. (813-879-2931 or vintagewinecellars.net).
FRENCH CRUSH HOUR Taste eight French wines from all regions, featuring instruction from Mike Rugers, an authority on French wines. Wines paired with artisanal cheeses. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 24. Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits, 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463). Reservations requested.
FRENCH WINE, DINE AND LEARN Combine learning with good food at this four-course dinner, featuring fine wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and others. $35; reservations required. 7:30-9 p.m. Sat., Aug. 25. Charlie's Wine Cellar, 533 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-1967 or charlieswine.com).
WASHINGTON SWANKY TASTING Washington State has exceptional wines. This tasting features the breadth of their quality and value. Ticket includes heavy hors d'oeuvres. $25. 7-9 p.m. Sat., Aug. 25. Uncorked, 2706 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-WINE or uncorkedwines.com).
FRENCH WINE DINNER Check out this French inspired wine dinner featuring four courses and five wines from regions all over France. $66. 6:30 p.m. Tues., Aug. 28. Wine Exchange, 1611 W. Swann Ave. Tampa (813-254-9463).
SOUTH AMERICAN GEMS This Argentina and Chile wine tasting features malbec and carmenere, transplanted grapes thriving in those soils. Paired with tapas. $15 in advance $20 at door. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 24. Charlie's Wine Cellar, 533 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-1967 or charlieswine.com).
CALIFORNIA LIKE NEVER BEFORE There's plenty of innovative new wines coming from California. This tasting features several of them. $10; includes souvenir glass. 7-8:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 24. Uncorked, 2706 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-WINE or uncorkedwines.com).
TAILGATE WINES Get ready for the football season with a wine tasting matching tailgate fare. Free. 5-8 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 23. Vino 100, 5056 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466 or vino100tampabay.com).
WINE FESTIVAL This monthly event includes a variety of fresh food, sauces, sandwiches, plants, homemade arts and crafts, live music, and a wine tasting. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Aug. 25. Florida Estates Winery, 25241 State Road 52, Land O'Lakes (813- 996-2113 or floridaestateswines.com.
B-21 SATURDAY TASTINGS B-21 hosts a wine tasting every Saturday. Free. 1-4 p.m. B-21 Fine Wine and Spirits, 43380 U.S. 19, Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049, ext. 210 or b-21.com).
FREE TASTING Each week, the Tampa location features a selection of four to six wines from areas around the world. Total Wine and More, 1720 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa (813-350-9601 or totalwine.com).
GRAPE CRUSH HOURS Each Wednesday, sample pre-selected white half glasses for $10 and three pre-selected reds for $12. Includes complimentary appetizers. Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. The Grape at International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463).
UNCORK YOUR TASTE Cork & Olive, a chain of wine shops in the Bay area, offers free wine tastings daily at all locations. Find the nearest at corkandolive.com.
This article appears in Aug 22-28, 2007.