Calendar
If you’re in the mood for some spirited fun, here’s just a sampling that ranges from a martini contest to vineyard tours and tastings, virtual and in real life.
Martini Shake Off: 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Ignacio Plaza, 525Henrietta St., Martinez. Local mixologists will compete for “Best Martini in the Martinez Area,” as well as the “People’s Choice Award.” Enjoy music, dinner, specialty libations, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as martini samples. $60-$70. Eventbrite: bit.ly/37hsleb
Corks, Forks, Rhythm, & Brews: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 2, City Hall West Parade Lawn, 950W. Mall Square, Alameda. Enjoy fare from some of California’s best wineries, spirits, breweries and restaurants at this benefit for the Alameda Boys & Girls Club. $75-$200. corksforksonthepoint.com
J Vineyards & Winery: Virtual tastings noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Choose your favorites for a custom flight, explore a new collection or take a deep look at a single wine through the years. www. jwine.com/bespoke-virtual-tastings Seltzerland: Oct. 9, Excite Ballpark, 588 E. Alma Ave., San Jose. Stroll the ballpark while sampling from an array of 100 hard seltzer flavors from brands such as White Claw, Vizzy and Playamar (Jose Cuervo Seltzer). $42. seltzerland.com
Bacchus Landing’s Food Truck Fridays: This Healdsburg wine collective offers five winery tasting rooms, plus special events such as Food Truck Fridays that run from 4 to 7 p.m. Check out the wine-friendly bites from Camacho’s Southern Style BBQ this Friday, for example, just outside the piazza walls where you’ll find bocce courts, picnic tables and lawn games. Bacchus Landing is open daily at 14210 Bacchus Landing Way in Healdsburg; www.bacchuslanding.com.
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. Bouchaine Vineyards Picnics: Bring a picnic from home or any restaurant, then pick up a Bouchaine wine bag, which includes a wine key, water, two logo crystal wine tumblers and a bottle each of Bouchaine’s Estate Pinot Noir and Estate Chardonnay. ($150 per couple, $25 for additional guests.) bouchaine.com
Inman Family Wines: Patio tastings are held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at the winery located at 3900 Piner Road in Santa Rosa. In addition to patio tastings, you can enjoy a number of virtual wine tasting events. www.inman familywines.com/Visit-Us/Events