“Otra Vino, Por favor”

If you’ve ever spent time in Spain you know that drinking wine – whether it’s quaffing bottles of cava at Madrilleño nightclubs, ducking inside a dusty Salamanca tapas bar for a glass of Rioja, or slow-sipping sangria on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas strip – is as integral a part of Spanish life as the siesta. Sure, you may say, “That’s a bold statement! The Spanish love a good nap!” This is very true, my friend. But to that point, you’ve probably never drank a bottle of La Mancha and thentaken a siesta in Parque Rentiro. Try it. It’s a life altering experience.

Well, so what if Madrid’s version of Central Park isn’t available for import anytime soon? Spanish wine certainly is – and you can sample at least five great ones at tonight’s “Viva España” Wine Tasting at Hollywood Vine (2035 Harrison St., Hollywood). The boutique wine shop is bringing in a handful of bottles from a distributor who only deals in small or family label wines from the Spanish countryside: a sparkling Spumante called “Flare,” a full-flavored Cabernet Rosé, a crisp Rueda Verdehlo, a Rebira Del Duero red, and a complex Meritage blend called “Abadal Reserve 3.9.” Visitors can sample any of the wines for free, or purchase bottles (for a trip to the park, perhaps?) starting very reasonably at $13.99. As always, the Vine will offer to prepare and plate any of their gourmet cheeses available for purchase, and each of the wines will be served by the glass at the bar. The tasting starts at 6 p.m. sharp. Call 954-922-2910, or visit www.hvine.com.
Tue., Aug. 21