Thursday, September 16: Total Wine & More St. Petersburg
Sample fantastic New Zealand wines from Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, along with Australian wines from top growing regions such as McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Class includes wine selections, tasting sheets, take home educational materials, and discounts on the wines presented in class. RSVP required. $25; 6-8 p.m. 4880 Park Street N., St. Pete. (727-544-6018)
Friday, September 17: Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market
Taste samples from around the world of two of the most popular vinifera grape varietals, Cabernet and Chardonnay, paired with light hors d'oeuvres and artisan cheeses. Special bottle and case pricing for attendees. RSVP required. $15; 5:30-7:30 p.m. 100 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair. (727-584-5552)
Friday, September 17: World of Wines of South Tampa
Join World of Wines for another fun and educational tasting paired with some hors d'oeuvres. $10; 6-8 p.m. S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. (813-835-9463)
Saturday, September 18: The Dali Museum
Bring your sweet tooth and checkbook to "Sweet Dreamz Dessert Tasting and Art Auction" hosted by the Dali Museum's Zodiac Group. Indulge in an array of desserts, martinis, bubbly and cordials while browsing (and hopefully buying) local art. This will be the Zodiac Group's last event in the original Dali Museum before the new location opens, so help them say "sweet dreamz and goodnight". A $20 prixe fixe meal at The Hangar at 6 p.m. will be available for those who purchase their tickets in advance. Members: $35, non-members: $50; 8-11 p.m. 1000 3rd St. S., St. Pete. (727-823-3767, ext. 3013) thedali.org/zodiac
Sunday, September 19: Gaspar's Grotto
Yes, it's that time of the year again, the holiday we all look forward to most: Talk Like a Pirate Day! Gaspar's Grotto in Ybor will be celebrating with a pirate-themed costume party brunch and dinner buffets along with pirates from the Krewe of Seville and other assorted scallywags. Did I mention the Eagles Tribute Band that will be performing? Sounds like a day of rated "arrgh" fun to me! Brunch: 10:30 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Dinner buffet and concert: $20; seating starts at 5 p.m. and concert at 8 p.m. 1805 E. 7th Ave., Tampa. (813-248-5900)