Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most events.

THIS WEEK

FEB. 6

Port fever! Sample more of the of the sweet, Portuguese stuff at Porto Wine Institute’s second annual Seattle tasting. Over 100 portos to choose from. Light appetizers will be served. Proceeds to benefit the Boomtown Caf鮠$36. 6-8 p.m. The Dome Room in the Arctic Building, 700 Third Ave., 206-935-7776. DOWNTOWN

It’s First Thursday. Art looks better on a few glasses of wine, don’t you think? It warms the blood and makes winter gallery-hopping more bearable, anyhow. What better way to start the evening than at Morton’s of Chicago’s First Thursday tasting featuring, what else, but wines of Portugal—the “it” wines of the week. The sumptuous free steak sandwiches are themselves little works of art. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. 1511 Sixth Ave., 206-223-0550. DOWNTOWN

FEB. 8

Chiles are underutilized in Anglo kitchens: Who better to help you remedy your lack than Fandango’s Christine Keff, who’ll help you get hands-on familiar (keep your fingers away from your eyes!) with the hot and sweet ones. Class, which repeats Feb. 22, includes lunch and wine. $55. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 2313 First Ave., 206-441-1188. BELLTOWN

FEB. 10

Just because they’re little doesn’t mean they don’t have big plans: Check out dozens of aspirants to the title of next big wine thing at the Library Bistro’s showcase for small, self-distributed, boutique wineries. $20 including light appetizers. 5:30-7 p.m. 92 Madison St. (in the Alexis Hotel), 206-624-3646. DOWNTOWN

COMING UP

FEB. 11-25

Now that the Beaujolais nouveau craze seems to be fading, maybe the worthwhile and (price-worthy) wines of this southern reach of Burgundy will regain the attention they deserve. If you want to be ahead of the curve, take Dieter Schafer’s three-evening class in the varieties of Beaujolais, with tastings each time. $80. 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-764-5339. WEST SEATTLE

FEB. 17

The first of three in-depth classes in the wines of the great European growing regions. Tonight it’s Italy, with Spain and Germany coming up on March 3 and 10, respectively. $75/class, $180/series. 6:30 p.m. at SeaStar Restaurant, 108th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 2nd, BELLEVUE, 425-456-0010.