THE GRAPEVINE
JAN. 3
The first big wine tasting of the New Year. Esquin presents a sampling of the varied products of Italy’s largest and most diverse growing region, which lies between the Alps and the Adriatic with Venice as its centerpiece. Free. 1-4 p.m. at 2700 Fourth S., 206-682-7374. SODO
It’s a Nebbiolo smackdown! Nebbiolos produced in Washington and Italy will be pitted against each other in a side-by-side tastinga battle between the New World and the Old. Free. 3-6 p.m. Fremont Wine Bar, 3601 Fremont Ave. N., 206-633-3663. FREMONT
JAN. 7
Seastar’s first winemaker dinner of the year stars Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery. Try his finely crafted blends alongside six delightful-sounding courses. $125. 6:30 p.m. 205 108th St. N.E., 425-456-0010. BELLEVUE
JAN. 8
Ron Bunnell of Chateau Ste. Michelle presents his wines at the monthly complimentary tasting at Daniel’s Broiler Lake Union. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 809 Fairview Pl. N. LAKE UNION
ON TAP
Full Sail Brewing’s seasonal Half Pipe Porter is rich and ripe without being sweetish and gooeya fine quaff for a winter meal. Available for around $8 a six-pack through March.
DEAL MEALS
A three-course prix-fixe dinner featuring a 16-ounce porterhouse steak for a penny under $25 is featured all month at Yarrow Bay Beach Café. 1270 Carillon Point, 425-889-0303. KIRKLAND
BACK TO SCHOOL
JAN. 3 & 17
Learn the basics of a classic Northwest mealgrilled oysters, planked salmonand the wines that complement it from McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside chef Kevin Rohr. $75 including lunch. 1200 Westlake Ave. N., 206-270-9052. LAKE UNION
JAN. 7
Whole Foods kicks off its “simple foods” series with a course on simple, delicious, healthy soups using seasonal and nutritious ingredients. Tonight, hosts Kristi and Christopher, a naturopathic doctor, will teach participants to make a creamy squash soup. $20. 6-8 p.m. 1026 N.E. 64th St. ROOSEVELT
JAN. 13
Chef Charles Ramseyer of Ray’s Boathouse offers tips for great winter seafood meals, including the secrets of preparing his own Thai mussels in coconut curry sauce. $30 inclusive. 5-6:30 p.m., 6049 Seaview Ave. N.W., 206-789-3770. SHILSHOLE
JAN. 16
Lisa Dupar’s “midwinter tasting menu” featuring a hunter’s stew sets off the stellar wines of Ben Smith’s award-winning Cadence Winery. $65. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 17825 N.E. 65th St., 425-881-3250. REDMOND
