August 25, 2009

I wanted to share a few more details about the half-off wine promo going on in honor of ~FIFTH FLOOR'S~ ten-year anniversary. It's actually extending through Labor Day (September 7th), and you can have half-off on bottles, or half-bottles. For you trophy hunters, rare and one-of-a-kind selections such as the Sine Qua Non "The Other Hand," Central Coast (1995) and a double magnum of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon (2002) are available for $220–$600 a bottle. Click here to explore the Fifth Floor's wine list. 12 Fourth St. at Market, 415-348-1555.

Want to really get some red teeth going? The Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association is hosting an event in San Francisco, the ~HOWELL MOUNTAIN WINES OF DISTINCTION TASTING~ on Monday August 31st. You can look at the list of participating wineries here. Free to the trade from 2pm–6pm, and the public is welcome from 4pm–6pm for $45. Click here to register (if you're with the trade), or to buy tickets. Bently Reserve, 301 Battery St. at Sacramento.

Spruce is kicking off ~SPRUCE WINE UNIVERSITY~, a series of monthly wine education classes one Tuesday every month. Each course will be taught by one of Spruce's sommeliers, and will include a variety of different wines, both old and new world; side-by-side and blind tastings; and more. Each class will be priced according to the wines sampled. The Wonderful World of Wine, the first in the series, is scheduled for Tuesday September 8th. It's an introductory course that will include information on the winemaking process; details about the major wine producing countries; a discussion on New World vs. Old World traditions and profiles of wines; climate and growing condition information; and finally, a tasting of five wines from around the world along with a breakdown of "How To" blind taste. $75, inclusive of tax, gratuity not included. Classes begin at 6:30pm, and last approximately 90 minutes. Reserve at 415-931-5100. 3640 Sacramento St. at Spruce.

Beer lovers will want to take note of the ~BEER & NOSH NOTOBERFEST~. The event will feature Reinheitsgebot-breaking beers from Valley Brewing Co., a feast prepared by Ryan Farr and the 4505 Meats Team, and custom beer-infused ice creams and treats from Humphry Slocombe. The Valley Brewing tap menu includes: Luna Blanca–Central Valley Golden Ale; "Notoberfest" Bourbon Barrel Maibock Lager; Brandy Barrel Aged "Collaborative Evil" Belgian Strong Golden Ale; Olallieberry Sour; India Pale Ale; Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial Stout; and Valley Brew Skullsplitter Root Beer. (You can read a blog post detailing the visit to Valley Brew with the chefs to plan the event here. Saturday October 10th, 1pm–5pm. $50 pre-purchase; $60 at the door (all inclusive for beer, food, and a commemorative tasting glass). RSVP and buy tickets here. Mars Bar, 798 Brannan St. at 7th St.