Western Caribbean Wine Cruise with Haak Vineyard
Jan 3rd – Jan 7th, 2008
4 Day Western Caribbean Cruise – Carnival Cruise Lines
From $399 per person
281-990-8362

Galveston Texas Cruise Terminal
2502 Harborside Dr.
Galveston, TX 77550

Includes cruise, 3 Haak Wine Tasting Events, Music featuring Robert Greaney
Contact Debbie Simons of Supertravel at debbies@supertravel.com or call 281-990-8362.

Sommelier Guild Wine Certification Class Enrollment Deadline

Jan 3rd, 4pm – 11pm
The University of Houston, adjacent to campus Hilton Hotel, Houston, Texas

International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Training, starting the first Monday (evening) in February, 2008, adjacent to The Hilton Hotel on the campus of The University of Houston. Enroll now for the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) 12-week training class beginning first Sunday in February at El Centro College in downtown Dallas.

Level One - 4 weeks
The ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level One curriculum teaches sensory evaluation: wine appearance, aroma, and flavor; characteristics of the major winemaking grapes; and an introduction to fortified and sparkling wines. Class includes tasting wines from around the world.

Level Two - 8 weeks
Topics include the wine business, viticulture, vinification, regional appellation laws, blind tasting skills, old- and new-world wine regions as well as sparkling wines, fortified wines, and ales, service skills, food and wine pairing techniques, and proper storage practices.

Cost: $1500 includes Level One and Level Two classes and textbooks.
For more information, contact ISG instructor Darryl Beeson at 214.946.9463.

a+ With Us

Jan 8th, 5pm-6pm, Free Event

Alden-Houston bar a+
1117 Prairie Street
Houston, Texas 77002

Be the first to sample Alden-Houston’s signature drink for Jan, the Pear One. Complimentary bites from award-winning 17 restaurants from 5pm – 6pm. Happy hour from 4pm – 7pm  daily.

Darioush Wine Dinner at Pappas Grill
Jan 25th, 7pm – 9:30pm
$115 plus tax and gratuity

Pappas Grill and Steakhouse
12000 Hwy. 59 S
Meadows Place, Texas 77477
281.277.9292

Hors d’Oeuvres
2006 Darioush “Signature” Napa Valley Viognier

First Course
Butternut Squash Ravioli , spiced root vegetables, sage, brown butter
2005 Darioush “Signature” Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Second Course
Duck and Wild Mushroom Gumbo, texmati rice
2004 Darioush “Signature” Napa Valley Merlot

Main Course
Bacon Wrapped Buffalo Filet
goat cheese polenta, ancho-blackberry gastrique
2004 Darioush “Caravan” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Darioush “Signature” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert
Caramelized Apple-Jack Cake , vanilla ice cream, salted caramel

$115 per Person
Reservations Required
Please contact Jeanette Benico 281.277.9292
*menu and wines subject to change*

Penfolds Wine Dinner at Pappadeaux
Jan 29th, 2008 
7pm – 9:30pm
$75.00 plus tax and gratuity

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
2410 Richmond at Kirby
Houston, Texas 77098
713.527.9137

Penfolds has been producing remarkable wines for over 160 years and indisputably lead the development of Australian fine wine in the modern era. Penfolds' continued success has been built from years of experience creating amazing wines. Join us as we showcase the best that Penfolds has to offer!

Hors d’Oeuvres
2006 Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Chardonnay South Australia

First Course
Blackened Ahi Tuna , wild mushroom, andouille, jumbo lump crab hash
2003 Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia
2005 Penfolds “Koonunga Hill” Shiraz Cabernet South Eastern Australia

Main Course
Creole Style Braised Short Ribs , “dirty” Yukon Gold potato mash
2004 Penfolds “Bin 407” Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
2005 Penfolds “Bin 138” Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre Barossa Valley Old Vine
2002 Penfolds “Kalimna Bin 28” Shiraz South Australia

Dessert
Gooey Pecan Torte , Sweet potato ice cream

$75 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Reservations Required
Contact Angel Fultz  (713) 527-9137

ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 & Level 2
Feb 04, 2008 (Mon) - May 12, 2008 (Mon)
4pm – 11pm
$1500
University of Houston
Toll free 1-866-412-0464

Wine & Spirit education certificates leading to entrance into the Sommelier Diploma Program. Fees include textbooks, materials, wines and examinations.

Wine Appreciation Society Cruise – Carnival
April 14th – April 19th, 2008
Carnival Ecstasy/Galveston, Texas
Houston, TX
832-741-9414

If you have any wine tasting events, or places that host wine tasting, that could be spotlighted or listed, please send suggestions, website information, phones numbers, or any other pertinent information to:

(Updates are happening weekly)