Italian wine festival Vino California continues

It’s Day 2 of the five-day Vino California festival, with more events celebrating Italian wines to come:

Tonight and Thursday Bar Toscana bar manager William Perbellini will be pouring specially priced cocktails based on Italian spirits for $8 to $10 each from 5 p.m. until closing. Consider the Grappolini made with fresh pear, fresh lime juice, grappa and St. Germain or his twist on a Negroni made with Amaro Nonino, grappa and Campari.

On Thursday K & L wine merchants in Hollywood will explore wines from the Veneto and Friuli in a tasting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. It’s just $5 for a ticket, but registration is required at the K & L site. The tasting will be led by Italian wine expert Paul Sherman.

Thursday, too, is the date for a wine dinner at Valentino in Santa Monica from 5 to 10 p.m. The four-course dinner with choices in every course is priced at $59 and includes wine pairings, but not tax or tip.

Enoteca Drago is doing its bit Friday night in Beverly Hills from 4 to 11 p.m. Who, I might ask, wants to eat dinner at 4 p.m.? I guess they’re counting on somebody. Reservations can be made by calling 310-786-8236. Celestino Drago is proposing a 6-course menu (no choices) with wine pairings for $60 plus tax and tip.

Or you can just go to a good wine shop, pick up some Italian wines you don’t know, and have your own wine fest at home.

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