Los Angeles LA Hollywood Wine Tastings Dinners Winemaker Festivals Events Seminars Gayot

May 17
Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Culinary Evening with the California Winemaster takes place at the "Midwest Street " set lot at Warner Brothers in Burbank. More than 65 wineries and 45 celebrity chefs across the nation will tantalize the over 1,200 expected guests of this nineteenth annual celebration. A single ticket costs $350 and the event lasts from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. For further details, call 323-655-8525 or visit www.californiawinemasters.org.

May 19
Pasadena's Bistro 45 showcases Napa Valley's Pavi Wines at a five-course dinner attended by winemaker Rob Lawson, who has also produced wines for Beckstoffer, Kapcsandy and Ghost Block. His winery, named after his Italian wife, specializes in Pinot Grigio and Dolcetto. Those, along with his 2005 "Vinifera" Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer, will be paired with modern French cooking. Price is $90 per person for this event which begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are essential. Bistro 45, 45 S. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106, 626-795-2478.

May 22
Enjoy an evening of sake and food tasting at La Vida Sake at the Petersen Automotive Museum's Lowrider Exhibit. This event, benefiting the Little Tokyo Service Center, will feature a silent auction, a private viewing of the limited engagement exhibit "La Vida Lowrider: Cruising the City of Angels" and various sampling stations where sake experts will be on hand to provide education on sake and food pairings. Also, chef Akira Hirose of Maison Akira will be honored for his community involvement. Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 at the door. For more information, please visit www.LTSC.org/sake.

May 22
International wine expert Peter Kerr will host a five-course dinner featuring the wines of Guglielmo Winery at Enzo & Angela’s Italian Restaurant. The evening’s special guest will be Gene Guiglielmo, owner of Guglielmo Winery. Chef Enzo Battara’s culinary creations begin with hors d’oeuvres paired with 2007 Pinot Grigio Private Reserve. Next served will be baked mini casseroles of rice, crab, shrimp and scallops doused in pink Cognac sauce, paired with 2007 Rosatello, Estate Grown Private Reserve. Following dishes will be artichoke pasta with veal, mushrooms and shaved black truffle paired with 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Private Reserve; and baked osso buco prepared with Italian tomatoes and Montepulciano wine, paired with 2005 Sangiovese, Private Reserve. Rounding out the evening will be a selection of three gourmet cheeses paired with aromatic honeys and 2003 Petite Sirah, Estate Grown Private Reserve. The cost to attend is $85 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. For more information as well as to reserve a seat, call 310-477-3880 or visit www.enzoandangela.com. Enzo & Angela, 11701 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310-477-3880.

May 28
Maison Akira's chef and owner, Akira Hirose, will present a four-course dinner paired to specially selected wines. The first course will consist of Portobello mushrooms, roasted yam and Maytag bleu cheese, paired with 2006 Claude Michot Sauvignon Blanc. Following courses will include pan-roasted Lake Superior whitefish in a smoked tomato sauce paired with 2006 Terre du Pape; braised beef short rib osso bucco-style with potato mousseline and mixed vegetables, paired with 2003 Château Cap Leon Veyrin; and nougat glace with raspberry sauce paired with Château La Grave. The dinner event costs $75 per person (tax and gratuities are additional), and begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit http://lawinetasting.com/ or email Jean-Baptiste at jb@lawinetasting.com. Maison Akira, 713 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101, 626-796-9501.

May 29
Delphine Lasserre from Champagne Gosset will lead an interactive, small-group workshop on Champagne. Good for both beginning and intermediate Champagne connoisseurs, guests will learn things like how to pair Champagne with food, recognize aromas and read a Champagne label. Guests will also learn how to order Champagne in a restaurant and even build a cellar for sparkling cuvées. The event runs from 6:15 p.m.-8:30 p.m., and costs $45 per person. The costs covers four Champagnes, which include Gosset's Celibris, light appetizers and educational take-home documents. Reservations are required. For more information, visit http://lawinetasting.com/ or email Jean-Baptiste at jb@lawinetasting.com. Miele Design Center, 189 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211, jb@lawinetasting.com.

June 1
The Courtyard and Ballroom of Le Merigot hotel is hosting the 16th Annual Grande Marque Champagne Tasting, offering pours of over 50 varieties of bubbly, including Dom Pérignon and Cristal. Over 20 of the city's top restaurants---including Drago, Méisse, Chez Mélange and Michael's---will serve signature dishes. The event benefits the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center and Madisons Foundation, lasts from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and costs $150 per person in advance, $200 at the door. To make reservations, call 1-888-539-7899 or visit www.wallywine.com. Le Merigot Hotel, 1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 888-539-7899.

June 3
Stefano Ongaro, owner and wine director of All’ Angelo, and Dalla Terra Winery Direct are partnering to host an epicurean celebration of Northern Italy in a series of regionally-focused wine dinners at All’ Angelo. Chef Mirko Paderno’s menu for “A Night in Friuli” will feature Friulian frittata with cheese paired with Pinot Grigio, Russiz Superiore 2005; scorpion fish and John Dory soup with fresh tomato paired with Tocai Friulano, Marco Felluga 2006; risotto with langoustines paired with Sauvignon Blanc, Russiz Superiore 2006; Trieste style salted dry cod fish with potato and Mediterranean white anchovies paired with Molamatta, Marco Felluga 2005; paprika, bay leaves and tomato beef stew with Montasio cheese infused in soft polenta paired with Merlot, Marco Felluga 2004; and lemon zest fried pastry dough with raisins and powdered sugar. Dinner reservations begin at 6 p.m. The cost of each dinner is $145 per person, exclusive of tax and tip. Seating is limited for; please make reservations by calling 323-933-9540. All' Angelo, 7166 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, 323-933-9540.

July 8
Morton's The Steakhouse in downtown Los Angeles will host "Bourbon...The Journey from Barrel to Bottle," a bourbon tasting featuring a variety of select bourbons along with a whiskey expert, who will be on hand to discuss the spirit. Bourbons to be offered for sampling include Knob Creek Mint Julep, Baker's Washington Apple, Booker's Mountain and Basil Hayden's Southern Citrus Smash. The event will run from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and cost $45 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Morton's The Steakhouse, 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017, 213-553-4566.

July 18
Arnie Morton's The Steakhouse in Woodland Hills will host "Bourbon...The Journey from Barrel to Bottle," a bourbon tasting featuring a variety of select bourbons along with a whiskey expert, who will be on hand to discuss the spirit. Bourbons to be offered for sampling include Knob Creek Mint Julep, Baker's Washington Apple, Booker's Mountain and Basil Hayden's Southern Citrus Smash. The event will run from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and cost $45 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Arnie Morton's The Steakhouse, 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367, 818-703-7272.

August 8
Arnie Morton's The Steakhouse in Burbank will host "Bourbon...The Journey from Barrel to Bottle," a bourbon tasting featuring a variety of select bourbons along with a whiskey expert, who will be on hand to discuss the spirit. Bourbons to be offered for sampling include Knob Creek Mint Julep, Baker's Washington Apple, Booker's Mountain and Basil Hayden's Southern Citrus Smash. The event will run from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and cost $45 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Arnie Morton's The Steakhouse, 3400 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91505, 818-238-0424.

Ongoing
Ca' Del Sole Ristorante, the Venetian country inn in North Hollywood, offers Tasting Menus to showcase the seasonal flavors of the Venetian cuisine. Just let them know if you prefer meat or seafood, and chef Peters will create a several course meal that is sure to transport you to Italy. The delectable fare includes dishes like soft white polenta with bay shrimp, roasted quail wrapped in pancetta, oven roasted rabbit and seafood soup along with great local and imported cheeses and home-made dessert. The price is $45 per person and upon request they will gladly assist you in pairing the food with wines from their extensive wine list. Ca' Del Sole Ristorante, 4100 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91602, 818-985-4669.

Ongoing
For over 35 years, Martin Weiner and his Los Angeles School of Wines have been offering tastings, lectures and dinners on the world's greatest wines. To see the current Los Angeles School of Wine brochure and learn how to enroll visit vintagewineenterprises.com, call 800-986-WINE or fax 310-475-6540. Los Angeles School of Wines, 1818 Thayer Ave. #104, Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310-474-7773.

Ongoing
The Whisper Lounge, located at The Grove, announces the implementation of “Tuesday Night Wine Bar” and monthly “Jazz Wine Tastings.” During “Tuesday Night Wine Bar,” the restaurant offers half-price bottles of wine, three-ounce tastings of all wines-by-the-glass and no corkage fee if guests decide to bring in their own. Monthly “Jazz Wine Tastings” ($25 per person), where guests are introduced to diverse varietals from around the world, are held the second Monday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Winemakers are often on hand to lead discussions, and hors d’oeuvres are served with every pour. Live jazz entertainment enhances the scene at both the “Tuesday Night Wine Bar” and monthly “Jazz Tastings.” The Whisper Lounge, The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-931-0202.

Ongoing
Silverlake Wine now offers “Blue Monday” wine tastings to take the edge off the beginning of the week. The new establishment from George Cossette and Randy Clement (both of Campanile), and April Langford (of the Park Hyatt Los Angeles in Century City) offers a selection of interesting wines accompanied by cheeses from the nearby Cheese Store of Silver Lake. The tastings run from 4 p.m. until closing each Monday evening. Silverlake Wine, 2395 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, 323-662-9024.

Mondays
Experience a more casual, "bistro-style" JiRaffe with its Monday Night Bistro when brown paper tablecloths, carafes of wine and signature dishes at reduced prices rule the evening. The bistro menu is a prix-fixe, three-course dinner for $29 per person and a carafe of wine costs between $12-$14. The regular JiRaffe menu is also available. Reservations are recommended; call 310-917-6671. JiRaffe, 502 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-917-6671.

Mondays

Maison 140 hotel in Beverly Hills (near the Peninsula Hotel) hosts monthly wine and cheese tastings on the third or fourth Monday of the month in the hotel’s Bar Noir area (tucked into a corner of the lobby). Upcoming Vin et Fromage themes include Red to White (May 21), Patio Wines (June 18), American Classics (July 16), Wines of the Northwest (August 20) and Fall Flights (September 17). The event runs from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and is $45 per person. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Maison 140 at 310-407-7795. Bar Noir, Mason 140 Hotel, 140 Lasky Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310-281-4000.

Tuesdays
Pasadena’s Le Petit Vendôme wine store offers tastings every Tuesday night (beginning at 7 p.m.), featuring 10-12 high quality wines. Classes last approximately two hours and the cost is $40. Some of the upcoming themes include: Wine Varietals and Cheeses of California (February 24); Wine Varietals and Cheeses of Italy (March 9); and Wine Varietals and Cheeses of France (March 23). Call the store for pre-registration. Le Petit Vendôme, 906 Granite Dr., Pasadena, CA 91101, 626-396-9234.

Tuesdays
West L.A.’s Il Moro continues its wine tastings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a selection of wines, accompanied by a generous offering of Italian finger foods. Price is $25 per person. Call for more information on featured wines. Il Moro, 11400 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064, 310-575-3530.

Tuesdays
The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica is currently hosting a wine tasting series every Tuesday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. Different varietals are featured each week from vineyards around the world. The price is $30 per person. Those who stay for dinner can enjoy 50% off of all wines that are $90 or under. For reservations or information, call 310-450-8600, ext 0. The Buffalo Club, 1520 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404, 310-450-8600.

Tuesdays
Dominick's is hosting Tuesday Flight Night, where Wine Director Susan Brink offers a trio of three-ounce pours that aren’t on the regular wine list. Selections change weekly and focus on themes like Old World Italian varietals or Brink’s favorite vinos del giorno. A recent $18 Sangiovese tasting featured pours of 2001 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico, 2001 Riserva Angelini TreRose Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and 2005 Ortman Sangiovese from Paso Robles. The cost typically ranges from $12-18 per person. Dominick's, 8715 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048, 310-652-2335.

Tuesdays & Thursdays through April 30
Old Town Pasadena restaurant NeoMeze Bar & Lounge is hosting 5-for-5 Wine Socials every Tues.-Thurs. in April. Consulting sommelier David Haskell, former owner of BIN 8945, wrote the wine list and is pairing and pouring at these events. A tasting of five wines costs $25 and is available paired with $5 meze, including red snapper with parsley and almond pesto and orange artichoke salad; and the Neo Duck Trio–pan-roasted breast with blood orange sauce, rillette purses and duck consommé. A flight might include wines like a 2004 Vina Mein from Ribera Del Duero, Spain; a 2006 Fontanabianca from Piedmont, Italy; or a 2005 Andre Scherer "Pfersigberg" from Alsace, France. The socials run from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. NeoMeze Bar & Lounge, 20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105, 626-793-3010.

Wednesdays
Enoteca Drago has an ongoing Wednesday Wine Tasting available anytime after 5 p.m. in the bar area with complimentary appetizers for only $25, plus tax and service. Enoteca Drago, 410 N. Cañon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-786-8236.

Wednesdays
Beverly Hill’s Maison 140 will present Vine et Fromage’s "Wine Down Wednesdays," every Wednesday night beginning at 6 p.m. Maison 140’s Bar Noir will hold the informal educational wine and cheese tasting. Different wineries will host each month, and Froma on Melrose will provide artisanal cheeses. Each event costs $25 per person, and reservations are recommended. For more information or to make reservations, call 310-407-7795 or email tastings@maison140beverlyhills.com. Maison 140, 140 Lasky Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212, 310-407-7795.

Every Other Wednesday
Upstairs 2, located above West L.A.’s massive Wine House, now offers a four-course dinner prepared by chef Todd Barrie every Wednesday, paired with four wines from around the world selected by sommelier Marilyn Snee. Each week will showcase a different wine region, and there will be a brief discussion of each wine and its pairing. Upcoming events include: May 16, Burgundy; May 30, Oregon; June 13, Loire Valley; and June 27, Sonoma Coast. Upstairs 2, 2311 Cotner Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064, 310-231-0316.

Thursdays through Saturdays
Vendome Wines & Spirits hosts a wine tasting bar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Each night features a particular region or theme. The staff fields questions and facilitates informal discussions about the wines being poured. Tastings are held 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Vendome Wines & Spirits, 11555 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-766-5272.

Thursdays
Silverlake Wine hosts Thursday night flights, where each week attendees can taste a grouping of several wines from a particular category to compare and contrast. Choose red, white or both! Price varies. 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. For more information visit silverlakewine.com. Silverlake Wine, 2395 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039, 323-662-9024.

Fridays & Saturdays
Every Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Cézanne Restaurant presents Vintner Dinners at their location in the Le Merigot Beach Hotel & Spa in Santa Monica, Calif. With the purchase of any entrée, guests are treated to unlimited complimentary wine tasting from the featured vintner of the month. As dinner guests sip their endless glasses of wine, executive chef Desi Szonntagh and sommelier George Skorka are on hand to discuss wine pairings and the featured vintner. Cézanne, Le Merigot a JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa, Santa Monica, 1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-395-9700.

First Fridays
LearnAboutWine and the John Wayne Cancer Institute have paired up to create the TASTE summer wine series. Events combine music, art, fashion, food, charity and wine, and the season kicks off with “What a Pair” on May 4. Events run from 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and are $59 per person, or $200 for all five. To learn more, visit www.learnaboutwine.com. Two Rodeo, 9480 Datyon Wy., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, 310-451-7600.

Second Saturdays
Falkner Winery in the Temecula Valley has streamlined their wine appreciation program. A new, single wine appreciation class replaces their introductory and advanced classes and is open to interested individuals at all levels. The new class preserves the best features of the former curriculum, including information about wine tasting, wine production, wine and food pairing and wine quality determination. All classes include tours of the vineyard and production facility as well as comparisons of Temecula Valley wines with regions throughout California. The three-hour class, held the second Saturday of every month, begins at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $35 per person. To register, contact the winery at 951-676-8231 or visit falknerwinery.com. Falkner Winery, 40620 Calle Contento, Temecula, CA 92591, 951-676-8231.

Sundays
Tengu restaurant hosts "Saké Sundays," every Sunday night until 10:30 p.m. Sip pineapple-infused saké and enjoy saké tasting flights, premium saké, carafes and bottles at half the price. The offer is available at both Tengu locations. Tengu, 10853 Lindbrook Dr., Los Angeles, 310-209-0071. Tengu, 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401, 310-587-2222.