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Ferraton wine dinner at Pazzo in Chapel Hill

Pazzo in Chapel Hill is offering a five-course dinner with wine pairings from Ferraton winery in France's Rhone Valley. All the wines being served scored 90 points or more by the Wine Spectator. The courses include:

  • citrus and dill cured salmon gravlox with cucumbers and a blood orange vinaigrette.
  • Maine lobster in a truffled cream sauce with sweet peas and herb-potato gnocchi.
  • country style pork and foie gras terrine with red onion jam and fresh black pepper crackers.
  • red wine-braised duck ragu over soft polenta with robiola cheese.
  • lamb tenderloin wrapped in Allen Benton's prosciutto over lentils du Puy with frisée and porcini mushroom emulsion.

Dinner will end with cookies and truffles. The dinner is 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28. It costs $95. Call 929-9984 for a reservation.

For more information about the restaurant, go to http://www.pazzo-restaurant.com.

A few wine and beer dinners this week in the Triangle

Here are a few upcoming wine and beer dinners across the Triangle:

  • Hope Valley Bottle Shop has seven upcoming wine dinners, including an Italian wine dinner at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at Nana's in Durham. It cost $55. To see the complete list of wine dinners, go HERE. Call 493-8545 for a reservation.
  • Guglhupf in Durham is offering an Austrian wine dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. For details and the menu, go HERE. For a reservation, call 401-2600.
  • Jibarra restaurant in Raleigh is offering a four-course dinner with five Saison-style beer pairings. The dinner is 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21. It costs $55. Go HERE for details and menu. Call 755-0556 for a reservation.
  • Durham’s Vin Rouge is partnering with Wine Authorities to offer a five-course wine dinner at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22. Winemaker Joseph Landron will be the special guest. It costs $75. Go HERE for the menu. Call 416-0466 for a reservation. (If you can’t make the dinner, you can meet Landron and taste his wines from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Wine Authorities. For more information, go to http://wineauthorities.com.)
  • Jujube restaurant in Chapel Hill is offering a four-course dinner with wine pairings  from the Paul Hobbs Winery. It will be 7 p.m. March 28. Go HERE for the menu. Call 960-0555 for a reservation. It costs $57.50. 
  • ADDED: Weathervane, the restaurant at A Southern Season in Chapel Hill, is offering a five-course dinner featuring wines from Gil Family Estates at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28. Go HERE to read the menu. It costs $70. To make a reservation, call 929-9466.

Dalla Terra Wine Dinner at The Washington Duke Inn

Fairview Dining Room at the Washington Duke Inn is hosting a wine dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, featuring Dalla Terra wines.

The dinner will cost $55 or $45 for executive club members.

Here is the menu:

  • an amuse bouche
  • Pumpkin seed diver scallop with truffle-scented pumpkin hash and smoked bacon vinaigrette paired with a 2009 Alois Lageder Beta Delta Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio.
  • Warm rillette of duck confit with Johnston County prosciutto, field pea cassoulet and dried cherry compote paired with Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco DOP.
  • Grilled rack of lamb, butternut squash puree, roasted cauliflower with pomegranate lamb jus with 2008 Inama Carmenere Piu Carmenere-Merlot.
  • Bella Vitano Parmesan Souffle with baby argula, cracked pepper cornbread and blackberry sorghum syrup paired with 2006 Selvapiana Chianti Ruffina Riserva Bucerchiale.
  • A final course of bite-sized desserts.

For a reservation, call 493-6699.

Wine tastings across the Triangle

Here is a list of upcoming wine tastings:

[If you are a wine shop owner, please enter your weekly tastings or special events online to appear in the paper or here. Here are the instructions: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/01/25/299308/put-your-event-on-our-calendar.html.]

Herons at The Umstead Hotel
Herons Restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa invites diners to explore wine and fare through its ongoing pairing events  through December. Next up: pizza and wine. 6 p.m. Thursday $45. . Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary.  447-4000. www.theumstead.com.
East Wake Wines & Craft Brew
For this flight, we're rolling out the big reds. We'll be comparing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-based blends from California, which tend to the bolder flavors and brighter fruits, with the same types of wine from South Africa. 5 p.m. Friday. $15.  1001 Wide Waters Parkway, Knightdale. 518-5025. www.eastwakewines.com.
Cloer Family Vineyards
Wine tastings noon Fridays, 11 a.m. Saturdays. $2. Toasts and Tunes concert series; enjoy wine with live music. 2 p.m. Saturday and Oct. 15. $5 per car (carpooling is encouraged). 8624 Castleberry Road, Apex. 387-5760. www.cloerfamilyvineyards.com.
Vinos Finos Y Picadas
Each tasting features four wines that may highlight a winemaker (Graffigna, Michel Torino, Luca, Catena, etc.). 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh. 747-9233. www.vinosfinosypicadas.com.
Solas Wine & Dine Trivia
Join TheWineFeed.com every Tuesday at Solas to test your wine, food and current event knowledge against other teams by competing in our trivia event to win prizes. For $15, you receive three wine tastings selected by The Wine Feed and a small plate from Solas. 7 p.m. Tuesdays. $15. Solas restaurant, 519 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 755-0755. http://thewinefeed.com/.
The Wine Feed
One of the most widely planted grapes in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon will surprise you with its versatility and the diversity of wines it can produce. 7 p.m. Sept. 21. $15. The Wine Feed, 18 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 374-0036. http://thewinefeed.com/.
Nana's Wine Dinner
Nana's Restaurant and Hope Valley Bottle Shop are teaming back up for a new series of wine dinners. The first will feature the  wines of Qupe Winery, and winemaker Bob Lindquist will attend. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21. $55. 2514 University Drive, Durham. 493-8545.www.hvbottleshop.com.
 

Seats still available for wine dinner Monday at Frazier's

Frazier's Wine Bar is offering a four-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Monday featuring wines from Bethel Heights Winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. It costs $55.

Here is the menu:

  • Salmon tartare with roasted beet relish, Polish mustard, creme fraiche, dill and potatoes paired with the 2010 Pinot Gris.
  • Roasted pork loin with braised pumpkin, spinach, apricot and thyme paired with the 2008 Estate Chardonnay.
  • Pan-seared venison with cannellini beans, spaghetti squash and a brandy peppercorn cream sauce paired with 2009 Estate Pinot Noir and the 2008 Justice Single Vineyard Pinot Noir.
  • Baked brie with blackberry preserves and fresh blueberries paired with the 2010 Pinot Blanc.

For a reservation, call 828-6699.

Wine dinners and tastings

Here are a few upcoming events for wine lovers:

Guglhupf Cafe
Join us on our outdoor patio to enjoy a special five-course menu from chef Dave Alworth paired with sparkling wines. 7 p.m. Wednesday. $55 plus tax and gratuity. 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham.  401-2600. www.guglhupf.com.
Poppyseed Market
Thursday we will feature French wines for our "Tour de France" wine tasting. The entree menu will be selected to accompany the wine selections. 6 p.m. Thursday. Free. 8801 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh. 870-4997. http://poppyseedmkt.com.
Southern Season
Learn the basics of wine tasting from Mary Margaret, who began her wine career helping manage the cellars at Balthazar in New York and has since worked in many aspects of the wine industry. 6 p.m. Thursday. $30. Around the world with pinot gris. 5 p.m. Friday. $15. 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill. 929-7133. www.southernseason.com
Cloer Family Vineyards
Noon-5 p.m. Fridays, 11a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. $2. 8624 Castleberry Road, Apex. 387-5760. www.cloerfamilyvineyards.com
Cellar 101
Join us on Main Street in the Quay for live music and wine. 5-8 p.m. Fridays. Wine tastings: 1 p.m. Saturdays.101 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina. 285-3416. www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cellar-101/174009429510
Vinos Finos Y Picadas
Each tasting features four wines that may highlight a winemaker (Graffigna, Michel Torino, Luca, Catena, etc.) 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh. 747-9233. www.vinosfinosypicadas.com
 

Upcoming wine tastings and dinners

Here is a list of upcoming wine events:

Blu Seafood San Francisco Wine Dinner
This month's wine dinner will feature four courses of San Fran food, fun and fine wine, with the Northern Californian juice being paired by the great minds at The Hope Valley Bottle Shop. 7 p.m. Wednesday. $45 plus tax and tip. Blu Seafood and Bar, 2002 Hillsborough Road, Durham. 286-9777. http://bluseafoodandbar.com.
Cellar 101
5 p.m. Thursdays. Free. 101 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina. 285-3416.
Total Wine
Brier Creek: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 8381 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh. 293-0362.
Durham: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 3615 Weatherspoon Blvd., Durham. 489-5082.
North Raleigh: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. Triangle Plaza, 6105 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. 235-0000.
Cary: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 333 Crossroads Blvd., Cary. 235-3322.
North Hills: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 4216 The Circle, Raleigh. 232-2580.
Southern Season
Benefits of Cellaring.  Have you ever bought a wine that you were told to age but then drank it right away? Ever held a wine for a few years and been disappointed by the results? In this informally educational class, the wine department will pour wines that demonstrate the benefits of cellaring, as well as wines that are meant to age before opening. 5 p.m. Friday. $15. 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill.  929-7133. www.southernseason.com..
Chatham Hill Winery
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a  wine tasting and winery tours conducted throughout the day. Taste some red, white and, our very special Pinot GREEN-gio! 11 a.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $10 3800 Gateway Centre Blvd., Morrisville. 380-7135. www.chathamhillwine.com.
Nana's South African Wine Dinner
Nana's restaurant and Hope Valley Bottle Shop continue their monthly series of wine dinners with this fantastic look at one of South Africa's best winemakers - Ken Forrester. Ken will be present himself to talk directly about his delicious wines.7 p.m. Monday. $55 per person plus tax and tip. Nana's Restaurant, 2514 University Dr., Durham. 493-8545. www.nanasdurham.com.  
 

Wine dinner at Magnolia Grill (a rare event)

Durham's Magnolia Grill is offering a wine dinner at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 3 featuring wines from the St. Innocent Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley.
 
The owner/winemaker Mark Vlossak will be on hand to talk about the wines.
 
The six-course meal and wine pairings, including some prized 2008 Pinot Noirs, will cost $95 plus tip and tax. Reservations are required, as well as a credit card deposit. To make a reservation, call Tammy at 286-3609 between 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
 
(I've been the food writer for four years. I've never heard of the folks at Magnolia Grill offering a wine dinner. That's not to say there haven't been any but I haven't heard of them.)

Wine tastings & dinners across the Triangle

Here is a list of wine events across the Triangle:

Chatham Hill Winery
Wine Down Wednesdays with live music. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Come root for your favorite ACC team! Wine tasting conducted at tasting bar throughout the day. The TV will be tuned in, we will order pizzas based upon request as well as have wonderful cheese, wine and beer available for purchase. 11 a.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $10 per person. 3800 Gateway Centre Blvd., Morrisville. 380-7135. www.chathamhillwine.com.
Cellar 101
5 p.m. Thursdays. Free. 101 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina. 285-3416.
Total Wine
Brier Creek: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 8381 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh. 293-0362.
Durham: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 3615 Weatherspoon Blvd., Durham. 489-5082.
North Raleigh: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. Triangle Plaza, 6105 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. 235-0000.
Cary: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 333 Crossroads Blvd., Cary. 235-3322.
North Hills: 4 p.m. Fridays, noon Saturdays. Free. 4216 The Circle, Raleigh. 232-2580.
Hope Valley Bottle Shop
A free Friday tasting of wines that have received 90 points or higher from major wine critics. The tasting will include two blended wines (one red and one white), a great Napa Chardonnay and two phenomenal Napa Cabernets. 5:30 p.m. Friday.  4711 Hope Valley Road, Durham. 403-5200. www.hvbottleshop.com.
Southern Season
Oregon's status as a modern winegrowing region was established in 1960, when David Lett discovered that the cool-climate Willamette Valley in the northwestern part of the state was an ideal region for growing Pinot Noir. 5 p.m. Friday. $15.  201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill.  929-7133. www.southernseason.com.
MEZ wine dinner
Join us for five creative gourmet courses paired with five of Chatham Hill's unique and award-winning wines. 7 p.m. Saturday. $65. Mez Contemporary Mexican, 5410 Page Road, Durham. 941-1630
Nana's French Bistro Wine Dinner
Nana's welcomes French importer Thomas Meunier and Bordeaux winemaker Lionel Latorse for a special wine dinner. It will be four courses of French wines paired with French bistro inspired dishes -- straight-forward dishes that will be simple, yet very flavorful. 7 p.m. Tuesday. . $40 plus tax and tip. Nana's Restaurant, 2514 University Drive, Durham. 493-8545. www.nanasdurham.com.
Blu Seafood San Francisco Wine Dinner
This month's wine dinner will feature four courses of San Fran food, fun and fine wine, with the Northern Californian juice being paired by the great minds at The Hope Valley Bottle Shop. 7 p.m. March 16. $45 plus tax and tip. Blu Seafood and Bar, 2002 Hillsborough Road, Durham. 286-9777. http://bluseafoodandbar.com.
 

Cooking classes, Duck Rabbit beer dinners & more

Here's a list of upcoming cooking classes, wine and beer dinners and more:

Fast and Easy Winter Dinners
Susan Hearn is a recent culinary graduate and a busy working mom. Fast and nutritious meals are an integral part of her active schedule. This menu will easily fit into any demanding schedule. 5 p.m. Today. $45. A Southern Season, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 929-7133. www.southernseason.com.
Shop the Farmers' Market
It's chilly outside, but that doesn't stop our loyal farmers and it will not stop us. We'll meet in CLASS, then head down to shop the market and see what's available this winter. 11 a.m. Saturday. $40. A Southern Season, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 929-7133. www.southernseason.com.  
Taste Carolina Food Tour: Chapel Hill/Carrboro
Go behind the scenes of Chapel Hill and Carrboro restaurants to experience where 'farm-to-table' cuisine comes to life. Sample innovative and upscale southern dishes, house-made chocolates, local cheese, made from scratch pie, organic wine, local beer, and more. 11 a.m. Saturdays. $41.00 ($42.99 w/service fee). Open Eye Cafe, 101 S. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 237-2254. www.tastecarolina.net.  
Taste Carolina Food Tour: Downtown Durham
Home to Duke University, the Durham Performing Arts Center, renovated tobacco warehouses and the Durham Bulls, this town is about cutting edge culture and fantastic food. Let us show you a vibrant city in the midst of its revitalization and introduce you to the restaurants, shops and people that are making Durham one of the nation's cultural hotspots. 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $41.00 ($42.99 w/service fee). Pinhook, 117 W. Main St., Durham. 237-2254. www.tastecarolina.net.  
Shopping, Planning and Cooking class
Save time and money preparing delicious meals. Learn where to scrimp and where to splurge in the grocery store, including the truth behind some popular food myths. Find seasonal bargains beyond the produce section and make your own by feeding your freezer.  2 p.m. Saturday. $10 members, $15 others. Chatham Marketplace, 480 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro. 542-2643. http://cookforgood.com/events.html

Click READ MORE for the complete list.

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