March tastings & dinners: hold on to your tongues

This month, the blustery month of March, there is a metric ton of wine/beer tastings and dinners going on around town. Get out, and get to tasting!

March 10, 2011; 12:00 PM • by Holly Gordon

Once Upon a Vine

Highland Black Mocha Stout, Highland Oatmeal Porter, Highland Kashmir I.P.A, and Highland Gaelic ale will be available for tasting this Friday, March 11, from 5 – 8pm at Once Upon a Vine.

• 4009 MacArthur Avenue
• 804.726.9463

J. Emerson Fine Wines and Cheese

J. Emerson Fine Wines and Cheese welcomes Jay Latham for a tasting of Copain wines on Monday, March 14, from 5.30   7.30pm, with discounts on all wines tasted. They’re also featuring two one-hour “short sips” classes on Syrah from Australia, the Rhone, and the U.S on March 25 & 26 from 5.30   6.30pm. The classes are held in their fine tasting room, and are limited to eight seats each day, so call to reserve your space.

• 5716 Grove Avenue
• 804.285.8011

Wine and Beer Westpark

Kolsch, Dry Hop APA, Coffee Stout, Triple, Quad, Reserve Barleywine, and Reserve Stout are some of the Schlafly beers you’ll find at the Wine and Beer Westpark tasting on Wednesday, March 16 from 6 – 7pm.

• 9631 West Broad Street
• 804.965.9100

Olio

Olio is having a free wine tasting this Friday, March 11 from 5.30 – 7.30pm of four bottles of Argentinean Malbec.

They continue next Wednesday, March 16 at 6.30pm with a lecture/tasting with Bob Stashak, a winemaker with 38 years of experience. The tasting is $20 and includes samples and snacks. Tickets can be purchased by calling with any major credit card.

• 2001 ½ West Main Street
• 804.355.5182

Can Can Brassiere

Can Can Brassiere’s popular sommelier Bob Talcott shows off the Burgundies next week at their Thursday, March 17 wine dinner. This is one of their more popular ones and seats often sell out — so get your tickets now. The evening starts at 6.30pm with hors d’oeuvres followed by three courses, including: frogs legs, chicken breast, and braised short rib, all paired with wine. Tickets are $49.98.

• 3120 West Cary Street
• 804.358.7274

Cafe Caturra

Cafe Caturra in Short Pump Crossing will be hosting a Girls’ Night Out on Monday, March 21 at 5pm. The night includes hors d’ oeuvres, a glass of boutique wine, choice of any sandwich or panini with a side, and a dessert mini or a cookie à la mode. A local vendor market will feature handcrafted jewelry by Leann Butler, Willow House with Elizabeth, Chained Stories handmade jewelry, and treats from The Sweet Spot. $20 per person. To make a reservation, please call 804-360-3377.

• 3332 Pump Road
• 804.360.3377

Ellwood’s Cafe

On Monday, March 25, 2011, at 6pm, Ellwood’s Cafe is offering a three-course wine dinner featuring the flavors of Virginia and surrounding areas for $35. Tickets can be purchased at Ellwood Thompson’s or online and space is limited.

• Course 1: Cite pate with pickled fennel, pine nuts and watercress.
• Course 2: Wild-caught (North Carolina) pecan crusted rockfish with sweet corn sauce and lump crabmeat salad.
• Course 3: Bell & Evan’s all-natural, free-range pan seared chicken breast with lentil du puy cassoulet and house-smoked ham.

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• 10. S. Thompson Street
• 804.612.1827

March 10, 2011 12:00 PM 3