Jan 17: Thai Wine Dinner. Solis Winery provides the wine, while Ayuttaya Thai Restaurant provides the food, for this great evening of cuisine and vino. 6pm. (Gilroy: 1340-C First St.; 408/846-7653. www.soliswinery.com)
Jan 19: Wine Passport. Visit family wineries, sample award-winning wines, and enjoy VIP treatment as you tour the area for tastings. A $30 "passport" gives exclusive access to winery tours, new release and barrel tastings, special rates, food, and music. Over 40 local wineries, spread throughout the South Bay, participate in this great event. In addition to all the wine available to sample, certain restaurants give discounts to passport holders. 11am-5pm. (Santa Cruz: various locations; 831/685-VINE or www.scmwa.com)
Jan 20: Wine & Crab Taste Off. Fresh catch, great wine and a heated culinary competition make for a fun and tasty afternoon. Taste-test various dishes, paired with wine, to cast your vote for the winning “Crab Cook 2008.” 2-5pm. (Aptos/Soquel: various locations; 831/685-VINE or www.scmwa.com)
Jan 20: Wine & Chocolate. Try different chocolates, wines and ports to determine which combinations work best together. 7:30-9pm. (Morgan Hill: Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave.; 408/779-2145. www.guglielmowinery.com)
