ovember seems to be the new December. Whereas once it was a month to spend at home resting and preparing for the busy holiday season, so much is happening- there’s just no rest for the well behaved (never mind the wicked). It’s another week of wine, cheese and fortunately, a little coffee.

In preparation for the holiday season you may just want to head out to Marquis Wine Cellars this Saturday, sample a little bubbly, and determine what corks you’ll pop this New Years Eve. On Saturday, November 17th from 1-4 pm, Marquis will celebrate their 21st year in business by pouring Bollinger, Moet and Jacquesson along with some BC bubbles. There’s no charge, so you’ll have plenty of money left to spend on those holiday bottles.

Yaletown’s Hamilton Street Grill has put itself on the map with monthly wine mixers. This Monday, November 19th or Tuesday, November 20th, head down to the Grill and learn how not to drink Chardonnay and Merlot at ‘Unique Varietals and Oddballs.’ For $25 you’ll sample Viognier, Malbec and Petit Syrah paired with Chef and Owner Neil Wyles’ delightful appetizers. Once you learn the pronunciation, those regular grapes will be a thing of the past.