Here before you, the three best opportunities this week to swirl, sniff and sip the grape stuff.
Monday, Aug. 17: Hoist a glass at D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lincoln Park, where you'll quaff an array of sauvignon blanc and fume blanc wines, such as a crisp Cloudy Bay sauv blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand and a zippy Ferrari Carano fume blanc hailing from Sonoma County. D.O.C. wine director Greg Sorrell will lead the event, while appetizers and a charcuterie board will keep you in the game. The tasting runs from 7-9 p.m. and costs $35 per person.
Thursday, Aug. 20: Shaw's Crab House in River North is serving up a six-course dinner (think: oysters on the half shell, grilled Alaskan King salmon, seared venison loin) paired with the Oregon and Washington varietals. David O'Reilly, the proprietor of the Owen Roe Winery, will be on hand to discuss the goods. Mark your calendar for 6:30 p.m. It costs $99.99 per person.
Or if French vino's your bag, Bistro 110 is featuring wine from the Alsace region. The bistro will pour varietals such as pinot blanc, pinot gris, riesling and gewurztraminer paired with appetizers from chef Dominique Tougne. Enjoy a little braised pork, frog legs in white wine sauce or tartes flambee with yoru wine.The event will be held on Bistro 110's outdoor terrace from 6-8 p.m. The cost to attend is $25.
Sunday, Aug. 23: River North's Osteria Via Stato throws "A Summer's Eve Dinner" with a seasonal menu by chef David DiGregorio served communal style and paired with labels from local wine distributor, Candid Wines. Enjoy real deal tomato samples from Kinnikinnick Farm, a 40-acre organic garden in Caledonia, Illinois. Benefits Slow Food Chicago. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and costs $35.
