On Monday July 22nd, join ~BAR AGRICOLE~ for a winemaker dinner with Hank Beckmeyer, winemaker at La Clarine Farm. The farm is located in the Sierra Foothills, and Beckmeyer and his wife, Caroline Hoel, farm according to the principles of Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka. The technique involves minimal messing with the grapes and the earth, and yields wild, fresh wines that recently garnered raves from Eric Asimov. The four-course dinner includes six wine pairings (some of which are unavailable for purchase) and begins at 7pm. Cost is $85, not including tax or tip, and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant.
On Saturday July 27th, head to the Jack London Square Pavilion in Oakland for the East Bay Vintners Alliance eighth annual Urban Wine eXperience. More than 15 urban wineries will be in attendance, pouring a variety of whites, rosés, reds, and dessert wines. There will also be food from local purveyors including Brown Sugar Kitchen and Picán, plus dancing and live music. The event runs from 1pm-5pm, and tickets are $45 in advance and $60 at the door. Oh, and designated driver tickets are only $15, so you should buy one for a friend with a nice car. Just sayin’. Jack London Square Pavilion, 98 Broadway at Embarcadero, Oakland.
