September is California Wine Month, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a wine tasting event celebrating our award winning wines. Wineries from all around the state come to San Francisco to give you a sample of what the various appellations have to offer. Sample wines from north to south in this walk about tour of California. Taste through 100 California wines from 12 different regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lodi, Livermore, San Luis Obispo and beyond. The architecturally stunning Ferry Building Grand Hall is an ideal location for this tour of California. Tasting suggestions: Patz & Hall, Seghesio, Handley Cellars, Concannon, Nottingham Cellars, Lange Twins, McCay Cellars, Robert Mondavi, J Vineyards and Simi Winery. Sat. 9/21, 2 -5 p.m. Tickets are $35, and include unlimited tasting plus light hors d’oeuvres of local cheeses and salumi. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets in advance. Ferry Building, Grand Hall.
Aquitaine Wine Bistro Aperitif Hour in Financial District
Freshly opened in a thriving FiDi food and bar scene, Aquitaine is a breath of French air. If you love southern French wines and food, then you have found your Mecca. This quaint and sexy spot will arouse all your senses. The lighting is alluring, the decor homey and romantic, the staff will make you feel as comfortable as you are in your own home, and the food and wine complete your sensory overload. Aperitif hour features several of their lighter menu options at reduced prices. Don’t miss the Basque Popcorn or the Deviled Eggs. $5 and $6 apps and wines starting at $8 a glass and $20 a bottle. Kick your evening off with a glass of their Sparkling Rose from Mas de Daumas Gassac, Languedoc, and don’t leave before completing a wine tour of southern France. If you stay for dinner, must-try food items include the Grilled Romaine Caesar, Escouton Landais (polenta), Duck Prosciutto and Melon with Floc de Gascogne Vinaigrette, Rosemary Prawns with Red and Daikon Radish with Saffron Aioli, and Whole Roasted Magret of Duck. Ask your server to pair wines with these delicious food items perfectly. All wines are available to purchase at retail, too. Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner Monday through Friday. Open Saturday 5 – 10 p.m. 175 Sutter Street, (415) 402-5290.
Fog City Grand Opening Celebration and Fundraiser
FOG CITY, the beautiful and historic destination for modern, eclectic San Franciscan cuisine and cocktails along the Embarcadero, is hosting a grand opening celebration and fundraiser on Thursday, September 19, 2013, benefitting Raphael House. The original Fog City Diner, which opened in 1985 and closed for renovations in March, has been completely re-imagined by renowned Chef/Owner Bruce Hill and its founders, Bill Higgins and Bill Upson. There will be live music by Project: Pimento, complementary signature cocktails, and tastes of Chef Bruce Hill’s delicious new menu. Dinner service will officially begin on Monday, September 23, with lunch and brunch starting in early October. Tickets are $125 per person, with the net proceeds from the event benefitting Raphael House. Cocktail attire is suggested.1300 Battery Street at the Embarcadero.
An entire block of San Francisco will be transformed into a grand outdoor party patio worthy of a world-class Oktoberfest. The free-flowing open bar will feature over 15 unique local brews on tap, served alongside wine from local vintners. Featured breweries include Calicraft Brew Co, Anchor, Anderson Valley, 21st Amendment and Pint Street Brewery. The Corner Store will be grilling up some burgers along with other beer and wine fest-worthy fare. There will be live music, as well as a DJ to get you dancing in the streets. Unlimited beer and wine will have you feeling "wunderbar" in no time. Sat. 9/21, 1 - 6 p.m. Advance discounted tickets can be purchased through Wineluv. General admission tickets are $19, and include your entry fee + 2 free beers or glasses of wine. All You Can Drink Tickets (beer and wine) are $29. VIP Tickets are $39, and include early entrance + unlimited beer, wine & margaritas. The Corner Store, 5 Masonic Avenue @ Geary.
Happy Hour and NFL Games at Giordano Bros
It is no secret that a good San Francisco happy hour is hard to find. Long gone are the days of $5 pitchers of beer, but the days of $2 beers are still alive and well at Giordano Bros. They feature $2 off all bottles and $1 off drafts. It will almost feel like college days again. And with $2-4 beer prices, you might just drink enough to make you feel like you’re in college again. And if you do over indulge, one of the best hangover cures around is found in their famous All-in-One sandwiches. Take on one of their enormous, juicy and ever-so-messy sandwiches, and you’ll be feeling right as rain in no time. No matter which sando you get, be sure to get a fried egg and shake a little hot sauce on it to make it doubly good. NFL games are a must at Giordano Bros. Yes, GBs is a Pittsburgh bar, but this week they are playing the Bears on SNF, so all the games will be on in both locations. Their hot wings might be magical, their hot cappicola sandwich is heaven between two fluffy pieces of fresh Italian bread, and their beer list runs as long as the new span of the Bay Bridge. Get there early to grab a seat (i.e. 9:00 a.m.), as both locations fill up for games. North Beach, 303 Columbus Ave; Mission, 3108 16th Street @ Valencia. Happy hour is Mon - Fri 3 - 7 p.m.
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