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Community Corner

Great Escape: Wine 101 with Friends

Birmingham wine tasting options combine flavorful fun and practical tips.

Planning to take in a glass of wine with your girlfriends? Why not do so under the guidance of a seasoned sommelier who can help you fully appreciate your selections? Birmingham offers several opportunities for connoisseurs and novices alike to take in a glass of vino and take away a tidbit or two about how best to enjoy it.

Taste wines from around the world at The Community House

Certified sommelier Nidal Daher has long been a friend of the Community House, where he regularly offers wine-tasting classes, including two coming this spring. His popular “” class exposes attendees to six wines from different regions of the world. His course offers background on different types of wine and the wine-making process, including practical tips on ordering off a restaurant wine list and proper wine storage. The class will take place from 7-9:30 p.m. May 4 and costs $30.

Daher will also offer “” at the Community House this spring. Offered from 7-9 p.m. on May 18, this course discusses the art of food and wine pairing through lectures and pairing food with select wine tastings. Visit the Class Registration section of the Community House website to sign up or call 248-644-5832.

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Learn wine and food pairings while experts face off in 'sommelier slam'

in downtown Birmingham offers another local option for wine tasting with the pros. You can take in a selection recommended by Tallulah’s knowledgeable staff or take in the endless choices with Tallulah staff in the adjacent tasting room and retail shop.

To celebrate wine culture even more, Tallulah's will be hosting a , beginning with the upcoming Vietti wine dinner April 10. The slam includes a four-course food and wine pairing duel between Tallulah’s proprietor, Mindy VanHellemont, and Antoine Przekop, lead sommelier for the Bourbon Steak and Saltwater restaurants at Detroit’s MGM Grand. Mindy and Antoine will vie for votes from guests in attendance. The winner will earn a donation to his or her charity of choice.

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The Vietti wine dinner will feature wine from Luca Carrado Vietti, whose winery was voted “Winery of the Year” by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2010. Five courses will be served, each paired with two Vietti wines. To make a reservation, call 248-731-7066.

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