fter almost a year of using Whitestrips and brushing with a Howard Hughes-like obsessiveness, I finally managed to rid my once-white teeth of last year’s wine stains. And now the sousing and scrubbing begins anew. It’s once again time for the annual Santé International Wine Festival.

For five days of grape-killing, Dionysian debauchery – albeit of the refined ilk – cork-dorks descend on Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area in force. Representing a dozen countries and offering nearly four hundred different wines, 74 International wineries will take part in the festivities. The landmark 10th incarnation of Santé runs from May 5th to the 10th and sees the continued expansion of its scope.

The return of the popular International Wine Tasting takes over the Carlu’s opulent confines on Wednesday, May 7th. Your tongue, nose, and liver will tour the world – via 42 vintners - while your head subsequently begs you for post-event Aspirin.

Thursday’s California Cruisin’ will take you on a Sideways-worthy jaunt to some of the US’s finest wineries, all without leaving the comfy confines of the ROM. Chefs Ben Heaton (Globe), Gordon Mackie (Far Niente), and Michael Steh (Reds bistro) will thankfully provide the in-between-sips bites.

Along with the Cali focus, Santé also spotlights wines from Oz: Santé Down Under takes over the Hart House on Friday, offering a range of selections from 18 of the big island/little continent’s best grape converters. The Food Network’s Chef Anthony Sedlak (the Main) will be on hand with culinary pairings.

Finally, the 10th anniversary extravaganza, Celebrating the 10th on the 10th: Santé Finale puts a cork (sorry) in the boozy proceedings. At Hazelton Lanes you will be treated to an elaborate dinner care of Anna Olson, Corbin Tomaszeski, Greg Couillard, and Anna Olson. Oh, and there will be wine, too.

For more information and tickets, visit Santé. -S.T.