FARM FRESH

Strolling the stands at farmers markets this week, you’ll find fresh, local Green Gage plums, Early Gold apples, German Butterball potatoes,and Butterscotch melons.Visit the Columbia City Farmers Market, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.—2 p.m. at Rainier Avenue South between South Alaska and South Edmunds streets, www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org.

Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted.

DRINK UP

Wednesday, August 23

Wine & Spirits magazine’s critics have selected 50 wines for Hot Picks, an exclusive tasting event. Young sommeliers will be in attendance, including Tim Sipes from Monsoon and the Spanish Table‘s Catherine Reynolds (who I just happen to know moonlights as a poet). Food is provided by Tom Douglas, Union, and Cafe Campagne. The $50 cover charge includes a subscription to Wine and Spirits magazine. 6–9 p.m. Palace Ballroom, 2100 Fifth Ave., 206-448-2001, www.acteva/go/seattlehotpicks. DOWNTOWN

Sunday, August 27

Noted sommelier Arnie Millan hosts a tasting class on Ancient Wine, exploring the history of wine from the Neolithic era through Classical Greek and Roman times to its role in Christian monasteries. Tastings will include eight wines crafted from grapes with ancient pedigrees. $40. 4–6 p.m. Warwick Hotel, 401 Lenora St., 206-612-6547. DOWNTOWN

BACK TO SCHOOL

Wednesday, August 23

If you happen to be a huge cheese fan (and do you know anyone who isn’t?) this is the class for you: Making Cheese from Scratch. After a mere three hours, you’ll come away with the know-how to create your own chevre, marscapone, boursin, as well as other tasty dairy products: yogurt, cream cheese, and butter. All good things to brag about at your next dinner party. $78. 7–10 p.m. To register call 206-525-7537 or visit www.bon-vivant.com.

Sunday, August 20

If you stop by Pike Place Market for this Sunday’s Summer Chef Demo, you’ll meet Wayne Johnson of Andaluca, recently named one of the six best African-American chefs in the nation by Black Enterprise magazine. Johnson will demonstrate new ways to prepare the season’s much anticipated local tomatoes, also known as love apples. Samples and recipes provided. Free. Noon. Tent at Pike Place and Stewart Street. DOWNTOWN

ON THE PLATE

Saturday, August 26-Sunday, August 27

Two whole days of dessert? SweetFest is a festival of chocolate, cakes, candy, coffee drinks, and yes, beer and wine. There will also be music, with Smoosh performing Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., chef demos, and a chance for kids to make edible sand castles out of Sandy Candy. For those a little (but not too much) more health conscious, Mighty-O Doughnuts will be on hand with their organic, trans-fat free desserts. Perhaps these will be the very same doughnuts people will stuff their faces with for the doughnut eating contest. $5. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. Marymoor Park, 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E., www.sweetfest.com. REDMOND

Find more food coverage online at www.seattleweekly.com! Check SW’s Post Alley blog for restaurant gossip and food news. For an expanded list of dining events, visit the Food page and click on Food Files.