Hello fellow wine lovers,

I just wanted to inform everyone that starting Thursday I will be pouring and hosting FREE wine tastings at Liquor City Bakewell in Covington KY.  Thursday and Friday, November 17 and 18, from 4 -8 p.m. I will be pouring the big six grapes. The tasting will be Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

The big six wine tasting will get you to:

• taste the difference between each grape varietal
• taste the difference between light, medium, and full bodied wines
• see the color difference between the three whites and the three reds
• and you’ll be able to know a few basics about wines

If you happen to be in the Covington/Northern Kentucky area this Thursday or Friday please come and see me. Future wine tastings: November 21st & 23rd at Liquor City Bakewell.

Cheers.

Now, the wines. I originally wanted to do a Breast Cancer themed tasting (okay, I walked in and said, “I think my theme is boobs.”) But I ended up with one red, one white, and four rosés. Now, I know people get all strange about rosé, and some people only want red or only want white at tastings, so I was feeling a little uncomfortable with my theme. Then I was staring at a particular wine and realized that I wanted to throw in some “weird” grapes.

Really, these grapes aren’t all that unusual – but my hope is that at least one of these grapes will be new to you. They’re fun to try and come from all across the globe.

1. A nice sparkling Brachetto (Italy)

2. Vinum Cellars White Elephant (Rhone blend, California winery, Chenin Blanc / Roussanne / Viognier blend)

3. Hirsch Gruner #1 (Austria, Grüner Veltliner)

4. Enotria Cortese (California winery, Italian grape – also called Gavi)

5. Turn Me Red (Austria, Zwiegelt)

6. Chandon Pinot Meunier (California winery, originally a French grape) << One of my favorite wines!

Well, that’s what is picked out right now, but keep in mind these are subject to change based on distributor availability.

I hope to see everyone there!

Dilly Cafe
6818 Wooster Pike
Mariemont, OH
1-4 pm – drop by anytime

Next weekend is also BeerFest! I’m pretty sure you’ll find Kevin, probably with the Hoperatives, at the Festival on Friday night. After all, BeerFest is to the Hoperatives what WineFest is to me. You’ll be amazed at this particular BeerFest. It’s in the convention center and sounds like it’s roughly the size of the WineFest. Yep, it’s that big but a whole lot cheaper. It runs March 26-28 and features over 130 different beers. Tickets are only $35. Buy your tickets online ahead of time though, as they’re capping the number of guests for each session.

As a note, I will be out of town all next week and through the next weekend (I’m missing BeerFest). I’m sort of crossing the country, from Seattle to Orlando and back to Cincinnati. Needless to say, there will not be a Featured Events post next week – I’ll be somewhere between the West and East Coast and probably jetlagged.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Friday, Mar 19

Kroger Wine Dinner with author Robert Cosmer
Kroger Fresh Fare Kenwood5901 E. Galbraith Road Cincinnati, OH 45236
Autographed book included.$69/cpl, $35 single, 6:30 pm
Reservations required. (513) 686-7900

Kindervelt Wine Dinner
The Kitchen Design Studio
10816 Millington Court
Cincinnati, OH 45242
With The Wine Store and Greek chef, Marie Tsacalis.
Four-course Mediterranean meal paired with wines.
Demonstrations and model kitchens tour.
Benefits: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
7 pm, $68/cpl, $38/single
Reservations required.
513-561-9450

Saturday, Mar 20

Wine Tasting:
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Topic changes weekly; call for price and more info.
1 pm
Reservations required. (513) 674-6008

Chenin Blanc Around the World
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Chenin Blanc is possibly the least appreciated of France’s noble grapes. It is also possibly Jay’s favorite white wine. Join him for an afternoon of Chenin, from the Loire Valley to Stellenbosch and more.
1-3 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Bier Dinner
Mecklenburg Gardens
302 E. University Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219
German bier and wine specials, spit-roasted pork dinner, schnitzel, spaetzle, hot slaw, salad and assorted German desserts. Music by Alpen Echos.
7 pm, $20
More Information: 513-221-5353

Tuesday, Mar 23

Pucks & Pinot
Cyclones Game
U.S. Bank Arena
100 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Includes Cyclones game ticket, wine tasting, commemorative glass and hors d’oeuvres. Bring photo ID.
6 pm, $32
Reservations required. 513-421-7825 or online

Friday, Mar 26

Club EQ
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
TEQ might surprise you just a bit tonight. Tonight we’re feeling a bit of a night life vibe. In fact, tonight we’re calling ourselves Club EQ and we’re your pre-destination destination. Stop in for an enhanced tasting experience. Reservations required.
6:30 – 8:30 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Cincinnati BeerFest
Duke Energy Convention Center
Downtown
March 26-28
Visit http://www.cincinnatibeerfest.com for more information.

Next weekend begins the FESTive month of March, which offers three different alcohol-themed festivals: BockFest (March 5-7), the Cincinnati International Wine Festival (March 12-13), and BeerFest (March 26-28).

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Image used under Creative Commons from Gianni D

Saturday, Feb 27

Wine Tasting: Reserve Cellar Tasting
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
3 sessions: 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm$10/session, 20 ppl per session
Reservations required. (513) 674-6008

Wine Shootout: France vs. California–The Rhône Varietals
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Cincinnati’s sommelier Gary Boswell will host this shootout between French and California vintners, based on Rhône varietals such as white Marsanne and red Grenache. The secret twist: all the wineries practice sustainable, organic or biodynamic agriculture. Why? Because it makes. The Best. Wine.
1-3 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Sampling Soiree
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Stop by EQ and The Party Source for delicious fun! We’ll be sampling food, wine, beers and spirits to show you the latest and greatest we have to offer. There’ll be tasty surprises around every corner, so make sure to join us for our biggest sampling event ever!
3-7 pm, Free

Get to Know Your Palette
The Wise Owl Wine Bar
6206 Muhlhauser Road
West Chester, OH
3-5 pm, $30 pp
Reservations required.
513.889.2500

Monday, Mar 1

Small Plates…Big Flavors…And Bold American Beers
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Beer lovers and food lovers rejoice! Chef Jackson has created an array of tantalizing small plates carefully paired with his favorite beers.
6:30-8:30 pm, $60 (BOGO with EQ Card)
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Tuesday, Mar 2

Trapiche Wine Tasting
Padrino Italian
111 Main Street
Milford, OH
South American Cab, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot and Chard. Food pairings from our kitchen
6 pm, $20
513.965.0100

Revisiting Rieslings20 Brix
101 Main Street
Milford, OH
6 pm, $40
(513) 831-2749

Association for Affordable Great Food and Wine
Embers
8170 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
Dinner paired with wine.
Sponsored by The Wine Store 7 pm, $40Reservations required.
513-984-9463

Thursday, Mar 4

Elite 8 Beer Tournament
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
The most talked about beer shootout is back! Tonight we taste eight brews and vote bracket-style with the best brews advancing to the next round. Come taste, chat, and vote on the top beers from the best selection around. Will Delirium repeat as Champion? Or will an underdog pull off a buzzer beater?6:30 – 8:30 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

O’Brien Vineyards Dinner
Turfway Park
7500 Turfway Road
Florence, KY 41042-1342
Sponsored by Dep’s Fine Wines A special winemaker dinner with O’Brien Vineyards from California
7 pm, $85/personReservations required. Contact Turfway at 859-647-4845

Friday, Mar 5

GrapeVINE
Gateway Quarter
12th and Vine streets
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Complimentary wine tasting with participating businesses while shopping and socializing.
5-7 pm

BockFest Begins
Visit the BockFest website for the schedule of events and more information

My recommendation for the week? If you can, reserve a spot for the Malvirà wine tasting at The Party Source on Saturday. Additionally, you can join Rivertown Brewery, a new local brewery, at their Dilly Deli launch party on Tuesday evening.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Image used under Creative Commons
from Flickr user hlkljgk

Saturday, Feb 20

Wine Tasting
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1 pm, Call for pricing
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Gorgeous Wines of Malvirà
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Join Italian winemaker Roberto Damonte for an unforgettable tasting of his superb white and red wines. His winery, Malvirà, in the Piedmont district of Roero, delivers smashing wines from indigenous grapes–at a fraction of the cost of more famous districts.
1-3 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Winter Wine and Food Fest
The Wine Store
9905 Montgomery Road
Montgomery, OH 45242
$3 for four tastes
two sessions:
2-4 pm, 4-6 pm
513-984-9463

Pinot,  Pinot, Pinot!
The Wise Owl Wine Bar
6206 Muhlhauser Road
West Chester, OH
We will be tasting four amazing wines, one from each of the following: Sonoma, Willamette Valley, Central Otago New Zealand, and of course, Burgundy.
3 pm, $45
Reservations required.

Wine Tasting with Vintner Select
A Bottle or Two
11920 Montgomery Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249
$30 pp with $10 food deposit
Reservations recommended:
513.583.8163

Tuesday, Feb 23

Rivertown Brewing Release Party
Dilly Cafe
6818 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH, 45226
6 pm – close
Rivertown Brewing is the newest microbrew in Cincinnati, and we will be having a Release Party at the Dilly Café. Join Founder/Brewmaster Jason Roeper as he pours four of his fresh brewed beers. Bottled beer will be available to take home.

Premium Wine Tasting
Water Tower Fine Wines
6136 Campus Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45230
This tasting will be Italian values and feature high end wines.
7-9 pm, $40 pp
Reservations required.
513-231-9463

Wednesday, Feb 24

Old Bridge Cellars event
The Wise Owl Wine Bar
6206 Muhlhauser Road
West Chester, OH
Most of you are probably familiar with wines like d’Arenberg’s “the Stump Jump” or their “Dead Arm” Shiraz.  Well, these wines are brought into our fine country, along with a slew of other brilliant Aussie offerings, by a company called Old Bridge Cellars.  On Wednesday the 24th we will be hosting a grand tasting featuring several wines all presented by Rebecca Lowey who is Old Bridge Cellars, National sales manager.
6 pm, price varies

Thursday, Feb 25

South America’s Big Ol’ Reds
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Let Danny Gold bring his Andean wine experience to you in this tasting of blockbuster red wines from Argentina and Chile. Is there anywhere else on Earth with so much good wine for so little money as South America?
6:30 – 8:30 pm, $20
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Friday, Feb 26

Wine Tasting with 55 Degrees
A Bottle or Two
11920 Montgomery Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45249
$25 pp with $10 food deposit
Reservations recommended:
513.583.8163

You’re probably thinking Super Bowl for this weekend, but take a moment to peruse the rest of the February calendar. There are all sorts of great events coming up. Of course, if you look ahead on the calendar, you’ll see things with a Valentine’s theme starting to pop up. In my Molecular Bartending post last week, Josh commented and said he’ll be offering cocktail classes at Tonic soon as well. I don’t know what the schedule is for that, but as soon as I know – well, you’ll find it on the calendar and I’ll make sure to share. Pucks & Pinot is also next week. It’s the Cincinnati Cyclones wine tasting event. I mention it because I’m in love with the name!

I want to take a minute to let you know about Give to Haiti weekend at The Wine Merchant (3972 Edwards Road
Oakley). All wine bar proceeds made during the week benefit Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund, so head over to their wine bar tonite through Sunday.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Friday, Feb 5

GrapeVINE
Gateway Quarter
12th and Vine streets
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Complimentary wine tasting with participating businesses while shopping and socializing.
5-7 pm

Saturday, Feb 6

Wine Tasting
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1 pm, Call for pricing
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Mendocino Wine: Boondocks of California
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
While Napa and Sonoma get all the attention, Mendocino just chills out in the sunshine, cranking out delicious wine of all shades and styles. Jay Erisman will show you some of his favorite red and white wines from this hilly backwater wine region.
1-3 pm, $20
Reservations required.
More information: 859.291.4007

Sunday, Feb 7

Grower Champagne Brunch
Water Tower Fine Wines
6136 Campus Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45230
Featuring up to 10 grower champagnes and traditional brunch foods including vegetarian options.
1-3 pm, $50
Reservations required.
513-231-9463

Tuesday, Feb 9

Open Your Heart Wine Dinner
Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef and Seafood
10808 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Three-course dinner, wine, giveaways and cocktail hour. Benefits Stepping Stones Center.
Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.
$125 per person
Reservations required; available at specialevents@steppingstonescenter.org or 513-831-4660, ext. 12

Allagash Brewery Tasting
20 Brix
101 Main Street
Milford, OH
We will be showcasing one of the best breweries in America at our next tasting.  Allagash Brewery will be here to taste beer selections such as Curieaux, White Ale, and Triple all of which are premium creations.  With each of the five Allagash beers Chef Paul will be pairing courses to enhance an already incredible brew.
6:30 pm, $40
Reservations: (513) 831-2749

Wednesday, Feb 10

Pucks & Pinot
Cyclones Game
U.S. Bank Arena
100 Broadway
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Includes Cyclones game ticket, wine tasting, commemorative glass and hors d’oeuvres. Bring photo ID.
6 pm, $32
Reservations required. 513-421-7825 or online

The Summit February Wine Dinner
The Summit at the Midwest Culinary Institute
Cincinnati State
3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45232
Featuring Matt Winterrowd and the Summit staff with wines from Mary Horn and Ian Pascoe of Wine Trends.
6:30 pm, $70/pp

Thursday, Feb 11

Big Red Wine Dinner
Iron Horse Inn
40 Village Square
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Four course wine dinner featuring “Big Red Wines.”
Reservations required. 513-772-3333

Seghesio’s Family-Style Zinfandel
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Seghesio Winery crafts some of the most delectable Zinfandels in all of California. Fourth-generation Peter Seghesio and his family still harvest grapes from vines planted by his grandfather Edoardo in 1895. Tonight, he’ll share his wines and his story with you. Don’t miss this rare night of great Zinfandel!
6:30-8:30 pm, $20
Reservations required.
More information: 859.291.4007

Friday, Feb 12

The Summit Valentine’s Dinner
The Summit at the Midwest Culinary Institute
Cincinnati State
3520 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45232
Invite your Sweetheart to the Summit for dinner!  We are serving a 3 course menu which includes a glass of champagne for $40 per person.  Our wine list will be available, and we will also offer a wine pairing with the first and second course for an additional $10.  Tax and gratuity are extra.
5:30 pm

VIP Preview Event for Unique Boutiques
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Wine and food pairing stations, live and silent auctions, music and shopping. Preview of shopping event on Feb. 13. Benefits Leading Individuals for Tomorrow Scholarship Fund.
Sponsored by West Chester Chamber Alliance
6 pm, $85
More Information:
513-874-5450

St Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting
Ryan’s Tavern
235 High Street
Hamilton, OH 45011
Includes Domaine St. George White Zinfandel, Ventana Grenache – The Lady, Vina Zaco, Haka Freebird, Hobo Dry Creek Zinfandel and ChocoVine. With Charlie Deitchel.
7 pm, $25
More Information: 513-226-2114

Pay attention to your local wine shop. Some of the shops, such as Dep’s Fine Wine & Spirits, Uncorked at the Art of Entertaining, and Jungle Jim’s are either wrapping up their weekly tastings for the year or have already stopped until January. Because of this, a lot of the yearly tastings are slowing down. After all, you’re spending all your time at holiday parties instead!

Fountain Square at Christmas, 2008

I list Little Sonoma (West Chester) as a regular tasting, but each weekend through December, they’re offering some great holiday themed tastings, including sparklers and gift wines. You’ll definitely want to check them out. Additionally, The Party Source really pulls out all the stops with end of year classes between now and Christmas, so try to take in a class or two this December.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday, Dec 12

Snow on the Vine
Harmony Hill Vineyards and Estate Winery
2534 Swings Corner Point Isabel Road
Bethel, OH 45106
Prior releases, new releases of seasonal dessert wines and more.
12-6 pm, 50 cents per sample
More Information: 513-734-3548 or online

Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1 pm, $30
This is the last Jungle Jim’s tasting of 2009.
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Holiday Wine Values
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Cincinnati sommelier Gary Boswell helps find the best wines values for your holiday.
1-3 pm, $20
Reservations required.
More information: 859.291.4007

City Cellars Holiday Party
City Cellars
908 Race Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
6-8 pm
A Caroling/Santa, pub crawling group will be stopping here to spread their jolliness at 7:00. You won’t want to miss the singing Santas. Everything is only $2.00! $2.00 draft beer, $2.00 wine by the glass, and $2.00 pizza by the slice.  Festive attire is encouraged. If you want to bring a new/unwrapped toy, we will deliver the donations to the Toys for Tots drop of center.

Wednesday, Dec 16

Wine Pairing Dinner
Parkers Blue Ash Grill
4200 Cooper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Chef Matthew Wilson creates menu to complement each wine.
$40, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Reservations can be made by calling 513-891-8300

Thursday, Dec 17

O’Bryonville Third Thursday Wine Walk: Wassail Walk
O’Bryonville Business District
Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208
Sample complimentary wines and refreshments. Local businesses offer extended hours on third Thursday of each month.

Best of the Party Source
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Best of The Party Source Wines. Join EQ wine wizards Jay and Danny for a retrospective tasting of the best of wine in 2009.
6-8 pm, $20
Reservations required.
More information: 859.291.4007

Additionally, don’t forget to leave a comment on the Contest post. You could win a new screener copy of Mondo Vino the Series.

On to the wine tastings!  I list Little Sonoma (West Chester) as a regular tasting, but each weekend through December, they’re offering some great holiday themed tastings, including sparklers and gift wines. You’ll definitely want to check them out. Additionally, The Party Source really pulls out all the stops with end of year classes between now and Christmas, so try to take in a class or two this December.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday, Dec 5

Snow on the Vine
Harmony Hill Vineyards and Estate Winery
2534 Swings Corner Point Isabel Road
Bethel, OH 45106
Prior releases, new releases of seasonal dessert wines and more.
12-6 pm, 50 cents per sample
More Information: 513-734-3548 or online

Wine Tasting Seminar
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Call for topic and price.
1 pm
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Sampling Soiree
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Includes food, wine, beers and spirits.
2-7 pm, free
More information: 859.291.4007

Sunday, Dec 6

Dilly Deli and Cafe Holiday Extravaganza
6818 Wooster Pike
Mariemont, Ohio 45227
$65, 5:00 – 8:00 pm (to minimize conflict with the 1:00 home Bengals game)
Reservations can be made by calling (513) 621-3111

Tuesday, Dec 8

Italian Wine Dinner
Iron Horse Inn
40 Village Square
Glendale, OH 45246
Four course Italian wine dinner
$55, 6 pm
More information: 513.772.3333

Swirl! For Women Only – A Sensorial Wine Education and Tasting Experience
The Art of Entertaining
2019 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45208
Tapas-style dinner and 4-6 wine tastings
6:30 pm, $42/pp
Reservations required: 513-871-5170

Wednesday, Dec 9

Jean-Robert de Cavel Wine Dinner
The Summit @ Midwest Culinary Institute
Cincinnati State
3520 Central Pkwy
Cincinnati, OH
Wine Dinner with Jean-Robert de Cavel and Laura Landoll of Grand Cru Wine Company
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
For reservations, please email Carmen Parks  at  cparks002@cinci.rr.com or call 513.569.4980

Thursday, Dec 10

Ballet & Beer: The Nutcracker
Otto M Budig Academy of the Cincinnati Ballet
1555 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45202
5:15 – 7 pm
Reservations recommended : 513-621-5219 or more information online

Holiday Fizz
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Wine Tasting: Holiday Fizz: Annual holiday sparkling wine tasting includes Champagne and sparkling wines from New Zealand to New Mexico and more.
6-8 pm, $20
Reservations required.

Wine Tasting
Argentine Bean Bistro and Wine Bar
2875 Town Center Blvd.
Crestview Hills , KY 41017
Sample wines from around the world.
$18, 6-8 pm
Reservations required: 859-426-1042

There are a lot more vines and butterflies and clouds, and even a footer at the bottom. All of this great design comes to you from the mad design skills of John Rizzo of 520Red. He also put together a matching set of business cards for me, amongst other things. Great, yes?

Have you spent the morning shopping? Fighting crowds? I did. It’s time for some wine.
The holidays are starting, which means tastings are being cut back as retailers focus on actually selling you things instead. But we do have a big weekend. Don’t forget you can avoid malls and enjoy the Ohio Valley Barrel Sampling Tour on Saturday, which includes Harmony Hill, Kinkead Ridge, Woodstone Creek, Burnet Ridge, and Henke. Elk Creek Vineyards [client] is also having a blow-out sale, with live music, art, and crafts at their winery and sale prices at all of their retail locations.

Life Magazine: 1952

Start paying attention to your calendar. Not this weekend, but next weekend, you’ll start to see your regular shops, like Dilly Deli & Cafe, Party Town, and Dep’s Fine Wine & Spirits, having some amazing holiday tastings. These blow-out tastings usually happen right before they stop offering regular tastings before they stop offering regular weekend events to focus on Christmas shoppers.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings, are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday, Nov 28

Ohio River Valley Barrel Tasting
See our write-up for more details: Post-Thanksgiving Winery Spectacular Spectacular
Henke, Woodstone Creek, Kinkead Ridge, Burnet Ridge, and Harmony Hill
Ohio Valley Wineries are having a barrel tasting – hours vary per winery.
More information

Bartender’s Guild Seminar with Josh Durr
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Master mixologist Josh Durr is up from Louisville for this class on modern cocktail techniques. Josh will show you the hottest new spirits; the profitable use of fresh juices in your cocktails; and cocktails both classic and modern.
1-3 pm, $15/pp
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Wine Tasting Seminar
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Call for topic and price.
1 pm
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Holiday Cocktails with Josh Durr
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
oin one of America’s leading bartenders for a tasting of terrific holiday cocktails. Josh Durr leads the Kentucky Bartenders’ Guild, and tonight he’ll show you the secrets of great holiday cocktails, including how to make a classic Punch. (Punch is in again–did you know?) If you enjoy cocktails of any sort, do NOT miss this outstanding event!
6-8 pm, $20/pp
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Tuesday, Dec 1

Blind Wine Tasting Seminar
Morton’s The Steakhouse
441 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Experience the world of wine and spirits as guests have the opportunity to learn how to blind taste wines like a professional Sommelier. Hosted by Sara Fasolino, Morton’s certified Sommelier and Beverage Manager, guests will enjoy fines wines and earn a “Morton’s Associate Sommelier” certificate as they increase their knowledge and enjoyment of wine.
6 pm, $45 per person
Reservations can be made by calling (513) 621-3111

Thursday, Dec 3

Dessert Wine Classics
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Dessert Wine Classics: Port, Sherry, and Madeira: From dry and nutty to very sweet after-dinner wines for holiday meal.
6-8 pm, $20/pp
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Friday, Dec 4

Grape-Vine Friday
Gateway Quarter
12th and Vine Streets
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Complimentary wine tasting with participating businesses while shopping and socializing.
Free, Holiday music and special treats.
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
More information: 513-744-9344

You should definitely hit up all the regular tastings this weekend. Place like Dep’s Fine Wine & Spirits (I really preferred the name Liquor Direct), City Cellars, and Little Sonoma are having some great Thanksgiving tastings this weekend and early next week. Looking ahead, the first week of December tends to be when everyone pulls out all the holiday tastings (sparklers, special beers, special everything …), so note that on your calendar.

Remember, all the recurring events, those dependable weekly tastings,
are displayed on our calendar. The one-time events are after the jump.

For information on what’s going on
in Dayton, you can refer to Mark’s blog at Uncorked.

Local Wine Tasting Event Calendar

Friday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Saturday Interactive Wine Tasting Map

Image used under Creative Commons license
from Flickr user xybermatthew

Friday, Nov 20

Girl’s Night Out: A Girl’s Guide to Holiday Cocktails
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
Girls rule! Come mix it up with our own Jay Dickerson as he presents a Girls Guide to Cocktails! Learn to shake and stir the very best holiday cocktails! (Note: Each attendee will receive a cocktail shaker)
6-8 pm, $30/pp
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Saturday, Nov 21

New Thanksgiving Wines
The Party Source
95 Riviera Drive
Bellevue, KY 41073
The Thanksgiving table is changing in America, as the way we cook and eat evolves. Let’s change up the wines too, with this tasting of all-new grape varieties and world regions for super Turkey Day matches. Please, no more jello salad–and no white Zin, either!
1-3 pm, $20/pp
Reservations required.
859.291.4007

Napa v Sonoma
Jungle Jim’s
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Which one is better? You decide as we taste wines from the two most famous areas in California; Napa and Sonoma. Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs will be the highlights of this event.
1 pm, $30/pp
Reservations required.
(513) 674-6008

Le Pot du Beaujolais-Nouveau
Arnold’s Bar & Grill
210 East 8th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
3-5 pm
Sponsored by the Alliance Francaise of Cincinnati
Celebrate release of new wine of harvest that, by French law, cannot be released earlier than third Thursday of November. Wine sold by the glass.
More Information: 513-421-6234

Holiday Pairings
Microwines
7292 Kenwood Road
Cincinnati, OH
We’ll show you the perfect wines pairings to accompany all of
your special holiday meals.
5 pm, $50/pp
More information: 513.794.9463

Weinlesefest Dance
Donauschwaben Haus
4290 Dry Ridge Road
Cincinnati, OH 45252
Sponsored by the Donauschwaben Society
German wine harvest festival. Music by Freudemacher Band. Special dance performances.
$8, 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
More information: 513.385.2098

Late Night at the Moulin Rouge
Opera Ball After Party
Music Hall Ballroom
1241 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Enter a world of spectacle and seduction, whimsy and illusion as you give in to the allure of Late Night at the Moulin Rouge the official Cincinnati Opera Ball after-party.
10:30 pm – 2 am
Purchase tickets online or call­ Julie Bergantino at (513) 768-5570.
$30 prepay, $40 at the d­oor

Wednesday, Nov 25

The Wine List Holiday Tasting
The Wine List
7731 Tylers Place Blvd.
West Chester Township, OH 45069
4-7 pm
Thanksgiving. With Spencer Tirschek of Vintage Wines.
More Information: 513-755-3300

BONUS: Post Thanksgiving Weekend Winery Spectacular Spectacular

I highly recommend you spend either “Black” Friday or Saturday visiting the local wineries for their annual fall barrel tasting. The barrel tasting event includes Harmony Hill, Kinkead Ridge, Henke, Burnet Ridge, and Woodstone Creek. Additionally, Hanover Winery in Hamilton is open to the public on weekends through Christmas and post-Thanksgiving is the last weekend for La Vigna in the Ripley area.

In Kentucky, Stonebrook Winery, Elk Creek Vineyards, and Camp Springs are all open.