FEBRUARY 2009

Seasonal Tip:
ARTICHOKES are best this month. Steam them and dip the leaves in drawn butter with tarragon, marjoram and thyme.
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January 31-March 28
Napa Valley, CANapa Valley Mustard Festival
The Napa Valley Mustard Festival
This two-month showcase of food, wine, art, entertainment and cultural activities celebrates the rich agricultural and cultural bounty of Napa Valley. Fields, vineyards and hillsides vibrant with blooming wild mustard provide a breathtaking backdrop. Highlights include the annual "World Wide Mustard Competition," "Mustard Magic" (the Grand Opening Event), the "Chefs' Mustard Recipe Competition," "The Marketplace" (the Signature Event), photography, art contests and many other great happenings. For more details and to purchase tickets, call 707-944-1133 or visit www.mustardfestival.org.

February 12-15
Mendoza, ArgentinaMasters of Food & Wine South America
Masters of Food & Wine South America
Mendoza opens up its kitchens and vineyards to host world class wining and dining. The Park Hyatt Mendoza hosts this four-day extravaganza along with founding wineries Navarro Correas, Bodega Salentein, Catena Zapata, Dominio del Plata and Familia Zuccardi. Activities include intimate lunches and dinners at local vineyards along with culinary demonstrations by distinguished chefs from around the world. Special wine tastings pair Mendoza's wines with gourmet meals and fine cheeses. This year's chefs include David Chang of Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York), Carla Pernambuco of Carlotta (Brazil), Alain Passard of Arpège (France), Benjamin Ford of Ford's Filling Station (Los Angeles), and Kevin Thornton of Thornton’s Restaurant (Ireland). For more information, visit www.mfandw.com.ar.

February 13-24
Venice, ITALYCarnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice in Italy
Carnival of Venice 2009 celebrates the world's most romantic and glamorous masked ball, as well as other lively events. Carnival-goers are ensured to enjoy lavish parties, exotic 18th-century costumes, fireworks and frenzied celebration. There will be Baroque music concerts, water parades in gondolas and extravagant gala dinners. And plenty of other lunches, brunches, dinners, exhibitions, balls and concerts are held in between. For more information, visit www.carnivalofvenice.com.

February 16-22
Finger Lakes Wine Country, NYPALATE, A Wine, Food, and Art Showcase
PALATE, A Wine, Food, and Art Showcase in Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York
Head to the largest wine producing region east of California and celebrate the collaboration of wine, food, and art at the PALATE event in Finger Lakes Wine Country. This weeklong event will feature seminars and tastings by local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, along with winemakers’ dinners at acclaimed restaurants and cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Highlights include 2300° at the Corning Museum of Glass, with glassmaking demonstrations, food, and music; Cabin Fever, a beer and wine tasting featuring 30 wineries and breweries; and a winemaker dinner showcasing award-winning 2007 vintages. For more information, call 800-813-2958 or visit www.FingerLakesPalate.com.

February 19-22
Miami, FLSouth Beach Wine & Food Festival
Giada De Laurentiis at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Foodies and wine connoisseurs love this annual festival where world-renowned chefs and internationally acclaimed vintners treat guests with their cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and educational discussions. The list of boldface participants includes chefs Nate Appleman (A16, SPQR) and José Andrés (The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills) as well as Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Emeril Lagasse and Paula Deen. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU), the festival benefits the Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. For a full list of activities and guest chefs, and to purchase tickets, visit sobewineandfoodfest.com.

February 19-March 1
Montreal, CANADA—Montreal High Lights Festival
A fire artist performing at the Montreal High Lights Festival in Canada
This lively annual festival, produced by a council of members drawn from Montreal's artistic, economic and tourism sectors, entertains with attractions and activities spread among three themes. The "Hydro-Québec Celebration of Light" presents free outdoor concerts and activities that focus on light, fire and pyrotechnics, with dazzling light displays, cozy bonfires and fireworks. Gourmands will enjoy the "Air France Wine and Dine Experience" presented by American Express, which features hundreds of culinary and wine events hosted at some of the city’s finest dining establishments. Renowned chefs from around the globe pair up with Montreal's best to prepare enticing festival menus. For the culture vultures, the "Sun Life Financial Performing Arts" series (host to significant international artists and touring companies) brings forth Montreal's classical and contemporary music orchestras, theater companies, dance troupes and museums. For more information, call 888-477-9955 or visit www.montrealhighlights.com.


February 20-22
San Antonio, TXSan Antonio Wine Festival, Sponsored by H-E-B
The San Antonio Wine Festival in Texas
This festival begins with the 15th Annual Wine Opener on Feb. 20, from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at the historic St. Anthony Hotel. The opener is an intimate black-tie affair featuring wines from California, Texas, Oregon and Washington, as well as top vintages from Italy, France and the world over. On Feb. 22, the 12th Annual Champagne Brunch will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., also at the St. Anthony. Next is the 29th Annual Fine Wine and Cuisine Tasting, which will be held from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Alamodome (100 Montana St.). Known as the "Granddaddy of All Wine Tastings," it offers the creations of more than three dozen of San Antonio's finest restaurateurs and caterers. All proceeds benefit KLRN, public television for south central Texas. For more information, visit sawinefest.com.

February 21-22
Hermann Wine Trail, MISSOURIChocolate Wine Trail
Enjoy wines and chocolate treats at The Hermann Wine Trail’s Chocolate Wine Trail event
Chocolate and wine. No, you haven’t died and gone to heaven, but it may feel like it at the fourth annual Chocolate Wine Trail in the Missouri wine country. Last year, seven Hermann wineries offered delights like chocolate bleu paired with Norton wine from Adam Puchta Winery and dark chocolate paired with Röbller Winery Norton. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased online at www.hermannmo.info or by calling 800-932-8687. For more information, visit www.hermannwinetrail.com.

February 27-March 1
Albuquerque, NM21st Annual National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show

Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show
Sample spicy foods and barbecue products at this fiery event, boasting one of the largest collections of hot and spicy products. Those with a low threshold for spice, be warned. If you can take the heat, browse the exhibits of hot sauces, salsas, barbecue sauces, candies, honeys, chips, pestos, nuts, jams, jellies, snacks, soups, salad dressings, mustards, beans and ketchup, and attend cooking demonstrations. The intense event, open to both trade and the public, will be held at the Sandia Resort & Casino Events Center, where guests can also spend time golfing, at the spa and gaming. Cost is $10 per person. For more information call 505-873-8680 or visit www.fiery-foods.com.

February 27-March 1
New York, NY2nd Annual New York Wine Expo
The New York Wine Expo
Sample over 600 wines from more than 170 winemakers from around the world at this 3-day exposition for consumers and trade. Consumers can learn from the experts at a wide range of seminars designed for all levels of wine enthusiasts. Topics include wine tasting, wine and food pairings, wine serving, selecting the right vintage, among others. Last year's participating speakers included best-selling author and wine columnist Mark Oldman, who gave the keynote address. The third and final day of the event is dedicated to trade, including restaurateurs, retailers and other food and beverage professionals. The event will be held at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door on the day of the event. For tickets, event hours and more information, visit www.wine-expos.com.


Back to the Calendar

(Updated: 02/09/09 ET)


Wine Events

There's always more to learn about wine. Take part in a class, a wine and cheese pairing or a fancy prix-fixe meal at these events across the country.

Culinary Events

Eat, drink and celebrate at these festivals, special dinners, happy hours, cooking classes and more from Los Angeles to New York to London.