Super Tuscan Winemaker’s Dinner at the Fountain Restaurant Dec. 17
Superior quality Tuscan wines are called “Super Tuscans” and The Fairmont San Jose is putting a spotlight on these incredible bottles from winemaker Castello Banfi by hosting the Banfi-Super Tuscan, a five-course winemaker dinner at the Fountain Restaurant. After dinner, each guest will get to take a bottle of Centine Bianco home.

Champagne tasting with Martine Saunier Dec. 17
Martine Saunier, the first woman to found a U.S. wine importing company (Martine’s Wines,) joins the Artisan Wine Depot for a tasting of rare champagnes. This is a walk around tasting event and guests may arrive anytime between 4pm and 7pm. There will be artisan cheese and Acme bread provided.

Champagne, Red Wine and Port tasting at Vino Locale in Palo Alto Dec. 17
Taste champagnes and sparkling wines from France and Spain, in addition to three lovely reds from Joyce Vineyards in Monterey. Top off the evening with Port then stock up on liquid holiday gifts at substantial special event discounts.

J. Lohr Holiday Feast Dec. 17&18
J. Lohr Winery in collaboration with Chef David Page, offers a gourmet six-course holiday feast with wine pairings. On the menu are: St. Agur blue cheese strudel, spiced diver scallops, duck confit, braised short ribs and roast tenderloin of Angus beef with
domestic cheeses and holiday croissant bread pudding for dessert.

Mushroom Hike at Hidden Villa Dec. 18
Wade Leschyn of the Mycological Society of San Francisco invites you for a mushroom stroll through the Hidden Villa woods. He will teach you to identify several mushroom varietals in addition to discussing both edible and poisonous kinds. There will be no collecting.

Half Priced Wine at Arcadia Dec. 21
Half price Tuesdays are a great deal in general, but on December 21st, master Sommelier Rajat Parr, wine director for the Mina Group, will hand-selected a wine list focusing primarily on boutique wines from America, with an emphasis on local labels.