The Weekly Nibble: Upcoming Food News & Events

On Friday December 6, join 109 Cheese and Wine and Jim Morrison from Artisan Wines for some exceptional Italian red wines including Barolo, Brunello, and a few others.  The event will take place in Ridgefield, CT and costs $55pp. 7-9pm. http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/507053 

Saturday December 7 from 4:30– 6:30pm Amity Wines and the CT Craft Brew Guild will have a beer tasting.  It will include Down East Appe Cider, Breckenridge Regal Pilsner, Green Flash Saison, Wachusett Larry IPA, Six Pints Global Warmer, Andechs Dopplebock, and more.  Please RSVP to Kim or Tony directly at 203-387-6725 or tony@amitywines.net.  Amity Wines Tasting Room: 65 Amity Rd, New Haven, CT 06515. http://www.amitywines.net/events/ 

Bishops Orchards in Guilford, CT conducts wine tours every Saturday this month at 2:00pm.  Tasting and Tour combo for $10pp. http://www.bishopsorchards.com/index.php 

Monday December 9 at 7pm, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, 55 degrees Restaurant, and Vias Imports present a “Piedmont Holiday Wine Dinner” with guest host Michael Petrizzo, Northeast Brand Manager.  $89 plus tax and tip.  5 courses with wine pairings. http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/508378 

Tuesday December 10, Barcelona New Haven will hold a “Spanish Holiday Dishes” cooking class.  Guests can join Chef Frank as he demonstrates how to prepare Barcelona-inspired holiday and New Year’s dishes.  7pm, $25pp. http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm 

Join Barley Vine in Bristol, CT for the Long Trail Brewing Company beer dinner on Tuesday December 10th at 7pm. All tickets purchased will be entered into a raffle to win a Long Trail brewery tour and a one night stay at a VT inn! $55 pp or $50 pp for Growler and Wine Cru members.  To reserve, visit http://ctbeertrail.net/events/long-trail-brewery-beer-dinner .

Wednesday December 11, join New Canaan Wine Merchants for a Wine & Cheese Class.  7-8:30pm, $25 pp. http://www.newcanaanwine.com/calendar/event?eventid=19022 

Learn all about running a successful restaurant at the Ferguson Library in downtown Stamford on Wednesday December 11.  The free seminar will teach guests about everything from positioning and marketing to permits and financing.  5:30-8pm, Main Library Third Floor Auditorium.  Call 203-351-8221 for information or to reserve.

The Darien Community Association will have a “gifts from the kitchen” cooking class on Thursday December 12 from 12:30-2pm. Nicole Straight of Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning will show guests how to make flavored salts, cookie-dough-to-go, and other sweet treats.  Prepayment for this class is required; registration closes at noon on Tuesday, December 10th.  $40 DCA members, $50 public. http://dariendca.org/activities-programs/cooking-classes/ 

Pinot’s Palett will have its Grand Opening on Saturday December 14!  The Stamford, CT art studio brings painting, wine, drinks, and fun together under one roof.  From 6-8pm, guests can enjoy holiday themed painting, giveaways, raffles, nibbles and their signature bar stocked with wine and beer for purchase.  $45pp. http://www.pinotspalette.com/Stamford/Class/14207 

Barcelona Fairfield will host a Wine 101 class on Saturday December 14. Guests will gain knowledge of the basics of terroir, wine-making, and varietals.  There will also be a tasting to supplement the material.  2:30pm, $30 per person (all inclusive). http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/calendar.htm 

Thursday December 19, enjoy “A Special Christmas Tea” at Jones Family Farms in Shelton, CT.  The cooking class will feature Harney & Sons Tea, assorted sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cardamom walnut cookies.  2-4pm, $60 pp.  http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/celebrate-winter-holidays-special-christmas-tea 

Friday December 20, Jones Family Farms will host a second cooking class: “Christmas Brunch for a Bunch.”  Guests can make and taste Smoked Salmon Napoleon, Egg Blossoms, Braided Fruit Danish, and Orange Boule.  11am-1pm, $60pp.  http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/events/celebrate-winter-holidays-christmas-brunch-bunch