Eating and drinking events in Dallas-Fort Worth, October 8-13

by Teresa Gubbins

Break the secret wine code, buy produce, and then drink '60s cocktails at BarBelmont.

The week's top picks:

Thursday

Wilson Daniels Portfolio Tasting

Another in a series of fabulous tastings hosted by Sigel's. (Its champagne tasting in early October drew over 200 people.) Wilson Daniels is a family-owned Napa Valley company that represents the who's who of wineries: Domaine Romanee Conti, Domaine Faiveley, Domaine Leflaive, Clos du Tart, Schramsberg, Clos Pegase, Girard, Ponzi, Ceretto, Champagne Salon, Domaine Jaboulet, Tardieu-Laurent. The point being, you'll get some good tastes at this thing.

Friday

Breaking The Code Wine Dinner

Which code would that be -- the DaVinci code? Sour code? Zip code? None of the above! The code here is the theory and process of pairing food with wine. You will learn how to think and taste like a professional, to describe Sauvignon Blanc as "crisp" and "zingy" and Chardonnay as "rich" and "buttery". You'll learn what goes with seafood and why. You'll learn not just the rules but when -- and when not! -- to bend them. Led by Master Sommelier, Barbara Werley, along with Advanced Sommeliers Kim Wood and Jason Hisaw. When you leave, you'll also get a $25 dining voucher for redemption in restaurant after the tasting or at Our Tribute to Robert Mondavi Wine Dinner on October 23.

Downtown Arlington Friday Farmers Market

Everyone else is having its own farmers market, why shouldn't the city of Arlington? It'll run every Friday through December 18 (but closed the Friday after Thanksgiving). For more information, visit Downtown Arlington.

Monday

Mad Hatter Mondays

What other way do you want to spend your Monday night than drinking cocktails, wearing snazzy hats, and staring at the downtown Dallas skyline. Bar Belmont will offer specials on '60s cocktails such as martinis, old fashioneds, and Manhattans. And the House of MacGregor will display their fall line of cocktail hats, fedoras, newsboys, and more.