The Week in Wine

Next week's big wine events -- all ripe for the picking

Chicago is filled with fine wine-drinking opportunities -- you just need to know where to look. That's where we come in.

Start the week off right with two wine-related events on Monday, May 4. At the acclaimed West Loop resto Sepia (123 N. Jefferson St.), new chef Andrew Zimmerman will get to show off a bit with his first wine dinner since joining the team. Pairing up with local fine wine importer Michael Corso, Zimmerman will highlight his new spring menu. Corso's selections of French and Italian wines will complement the dishes, such as kona kampachi with shaved fennel and coriander vinaigrette served with a 2007 Gustave Lorentz Reserve Pinot Blanc from Alsace, and roasted Swan Creek Farms rabbit with braised morels and asparagus served with a 2004 Chateau Sainte Eulalie La Cantilene Syrah/Grenache/Carignan blend from Minervois. The wine dinner begins with a reception with passed hors d'oeuvres at 6:30PM, continuing with the meal at 7PM and is $80 per person. Reservations can be made by phoning Sepia at 312-441-1920.

Also on Monday, May 4 is the monthly Eno-Versity tasting at Eno in the InterContinental Chicago on Michigan Avenue (505 N. Michigan Ave.). This month's effervescent theme is "Bubbles & Bon Bons," a fun look at pairing sparkling wines and chocolate. Eno's resident chocolate expert (how would you like THAT job title?) Shara Bauer will lead guests through a tasting of five wines and truffles, including a Gran Sarao Cava Brut paired with Christopher Elbow's Bananas Foster Caramel, and a Valter Barbero "Serena" accompanied by a Gail Ambrosius Green Tea-and-Jasmine Truffle. The Eno-Versity tasting will take place from 7-8PM and costs $25 per person. Reserve your spot by calling 312-321-8738.

Now that your palate is primed, head to Boka (1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070) in Lincoln Park on Tuesday, May 5 for the chic restaurant's "Test Your Palate" blind wine tasting that will take place the first Tuesday of every month. Four stations will each serve a mystery wine poured out of a nondescript decanter. Game guests can guess the varietals on a ballot, and the astute taster who picks the most correct wines will win a $100 Boka gift certificate. The free tasting will take place from 6:30-8PM and also features complimentary appetizers. 

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