Calendar
In non-pandemic times, California’s wineries were hot destinations for weekend wine tastings and general frolic. But we can still enjoy a bit of that fun via virtual wine tastings and online mixology classes. Here’s just a sampling.
Gloria Ferrer Virtual Tastings:
This Sonoma Valley winery offers private, virtual tasting experiences with wine educators, who sip along with you through a selection of Gloria Ferrer wines. You can taste with just your household or invite friends to join in via Zoom. The Trio of Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience ($115), for example, includes three bottles of sparkling wine and a 12-piece box of chocolate truffles. Details: www.gloriaferrer.com.
Takara Sake Virtual Sake Tasting: Takara tasting room manager Mika Tsuchiiwa leads a Zoom class from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays. Tasting kits ($50) include five bottles of various types of sake, detailed charts and descriptive sheets. Register in advance for home delivery or pick up at Takara Sake, 708 Addison St., Berkeley. www. takarasake.com
Cooking with Cakebread Cellars: Order a wine and culinary series “kit,” which includes four bottles of Cakebread wines and an hourlong virtual cooking class with the Rutherford winery’s resident chefs. The series includes menus with a gourmet twist for Super Bowl (Friday), Chinese New Year (Feb. 12) and Valentine’s Day entertaining (Feb. 13). www. cakebread.com
CA Craft Beer Week: Feb. 12-21. SF Beer Week is going virtual this year and joining brewers and beer lovers across the state for a virtual CA Craft Beer Week that will include a variety of beer-centric events, activities and tastings. Details: cacraftbeerweek.com
Chateau St. Jean Virtual Tastings: Order a tasting kit and enjoy a virtual tasting with Chateau St. Jean’s wine educators. Available noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday-saturday. Contact Ryan at 707-3456735; www.chateaustjean.com
Valentines Mixology: 4, 5:15, 6:30 or 7:45 p.m. Feb. 14. CityofCocktail will host a special Valentine-themed workshop featuring three cocktails. Order two weeks ahead so materials kits can be sent out in advance, then enjoy a fun, hourlong bartender skills training online. Early bird rate $99. cityofcocktail.com/upcomingclasses
Cuvaison Estate Wines: Reserve a virtual wine tasting experience to taste through Cuvaison’s newest wines. Email club@cuvaison. com to schedule a virtual Cuvaison wine tasting. www.cuvaison.com
Far Niente Family of Wineries: Guests have the opportunity to ask wine-related questions, while learning more about the wines and winery. Book a date and select a wine package that will be shipped directly to your door. www.exploretock.com/farnientewinery
Flowers Vineyards & Winery’s Indefinite Virtual Tasting Experiences: Enjoy a 30-minute virtual tasting of pinot noir or estate flights, or customize a tasting with your favorite Flowers wines. www.flowerswinery.com/virtualtastings
Cheese O’clock Virtual Tastings: Join Laura Werlin and Janet Fletcher for this virtual 5 p.m. cheese and wine pairing series with cheesemaker and winemaker guests. The Feb. 18 event explores “Europe Off the Beaten Path” with Willakenzie Estate, Feb.
25 is “Italian All Stars,” March 4 showcases “Wonder Women of American Cheese” and March 11 is dubbed “Aged to Perfection.” Register and order cheeses and wines at www.janetfletcher.com/cheeseoclock.