Whether you're a vino neophyte or a seasoned conoisseur, several wine events going on this week will introduce you to a few new varietals or renew your passion for the vine. Either way, you're sure to have a spirited time.
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Salute Wine Bar in the Gold Coast presents the next installment of its monthly "Casa de Vino" tasting series. From 6-8 p.m., indulge in this month's featured sparkling wines, such as Ferrari Rose and Saracco Moscato d'Asti, paired with sweet and savory small plates like duck pate garnished with chopped truffled deviled eggs and mini fig cannolis with with a prosecco-poached fruit compote. Salute Wine Bar's "Casa de Vino" tasting is priced at $40 per person.
If Tuesday's tasting whet your whistle, head to Osteria Via Stato in River North on Wednesday, Aug. 12 for the "Best Fruit Forward" soiree with sommelier extraordinaire (and host of PBS' "Check Please!") Alpana Singh. Twenty fruit-forward Italian wines will be sampled, along with appetizers and light bites using seasonal fruit from Osteria Via Stato chef David DiGregorio. The "Best Fruit Forward" tasting will go from 5:30-7 p.m. and costs $20 to attend.
Drink the best wine ever to come out of the northwest suburbs (Roselle, to be exact) at a Lynfred Winery dinner at Shaw's Crab House in Schaumburg on Thursday, Aug. 13. Varietals from Illinois' oldest and largest winery will get the star treatment during this five-course feast, including poached lobster paired with Semillon and a braised onion-crusted pork accompanied by Syrah. An oysters-and-sparkling wine reception will start things off on a bright note at 6:30 p.m. on Shaw's outdoor patio, followed by the seated dinner at 7:15 p.m. in the clubby dining room. Lynfred winemaker Andres Basso will lead a spirited discussion about the pairings. Shaw's Lynfred Winery dinner is $89.95 per person.
