Ottimista Enoteca-Café

This appeals to my Italian blood for obvious reasons: Ottimista Enoteca, the wine bar and eatery on Union Street, is hosting classes on regional Italian wines led by Jerad Ruhl, Ottimista's co-owner and wine director. You'll be kicking it on the heated patio while tasting some primo vinos, along with some small bites provided by the kitchen. You'll also get 10% off any wine bottle purchases the day of the event. Coming up: Saturday, March 11, will be a tasting and seminar of the wines of Alto Adige, while Tuesday, March 14, will be a wine pairing of Amarone and cheese (one of my favorite wines, like, ever).

And here's another chance to sing, "Robert De Niro's waiting, talking Italian:" Sunday afternoons are Italian lessons and vino! Timothy Morzenti, a native of Bergamo (that would be in Lombardia) will host a 30-minute lecture on topics like making friends or most importantly, how to order in a restaurant, and then you have 45 minutes of conversation  practice, which will only get easier over the wine. Benissimo.

To sign up, email Melissa Gisler at Melissa [at] ottimistasf [dot] com or call 415-674-8400. Credit card required for class registration. Cancellations may be made 72 hours in advance.

Ottimista Enoteca-Café
1838 Union Street
between Laguna and Octavia
San Francisco, CA
94123

415-674-8400
http://www.ottimistasf.com

Saturday, March 11
3pm-4:15pm
Wines of Alto Adige
$35 per person

Tuesday, March 14
6pm-7:15pm
Amarone and Cheese
$45 per person

Sundays 3pm-4:15pm
Italian Lessons & Vino
March 5–Making friends
March 12–Ordering at a restaurant
March 19–Hotel and Transportation logistics

$45 per person
includes lesson, wine flight and small bites