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Australian Wine Dinner and Bottle Signing. Winemaker John L’archet hosts tonight’s dinner to share some of his secrets, sign bottles and recommend wines for your sophisticated palate. Chef Kiel provides a fabulous five-course meal, perfectly paired with delectable selections from down under. $75. 6:30-9 p.m., 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa (813-873-7697)

Tuesday, February 9: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits

Uncorked Wine Academy. Hit the books (and the bottle!) with a certified sommelier at this wine-centric course that covers pairing food and wine; tasting techniques; grape varietals; how wine makes it from the vineyard to the glass;  and how to distinguish the flavors that make your tastebuds tingle. Reservations required. $50. 7-9 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Thursday, February 11: Mazzaro's Italian Market

Night Tasting with Vincenzo Protti and Giampaolo Tabarrini. The market's locally-revered meats and cheeses are perfectly paired with more than 50 selections of vino from Italy, including the highly-rated Fontodi's Flacianello 2006, all hosted by the vintners of the Bosco del Merlo and Vescine Wineries. $30. 7-9 p.m., 2209 22nd Ave N., St. Petersburg (727-321-2400)

Thursday, February 11 - Sunday, February 14: Cafe Dufrain

Valentine's Day Chef Menu. If you're going for decadence, you can't beat this weekend-long Chef-selected menu that includes: a selection of fluke sashini with white miso, asian pear, ginger pickled cucumbers and a jasmine rice croquette; seasonal oysters with a cocktail mignonette and tabasco granite; organic mixed greens with heirloom tomato, red onion, roast garlic crouton and a mustard celery vinaigrette; warm confit of organic mushrooms with roasted black garlic cloves, chevre and a grilled baguette; or Kurboto pork cheeks with fried green tomato, smoked bacon and a sweet onion marmalade. The main course offers a gingered yellowfin tuna with wok-fried bok choy, steamed oxtail dumplings and a shiitake consomme; organic smart chicken, harissa spiced, with preserved lemon israeli couscous, chickpea cake and pachadi; Korean barbecue buffalo short ribs with lemongrass scented jasmine rice, kimchee trio and bibb lettuce; roast Berkshire pork with yucca gratin, crisp sweet plantain and a grapefruit avocado relish; and a duo of fennel pollen-dusted maine lobster, american kobe flat iron with chantrelle cream and anson mills creamy polenta; for dessert, choose from carrot cake with mascarpone icing and pecan butter cream cheese ice cream; a chocolate five-spice sorbet with chocolate salted cashew cake and cocoa foam; and baked Fuji apples with walnut praline tart, warm caramel, cinnamon ice cream and streusel crumbs. $50 per person. 707 Harbour Post Drive, Harbour Island, Tampa (813-275-9701)

Friday, February 12: World of Wines South Tampa

Get Some Wine for your Valentine. It's trite but true: nothing sets the mood for a romantic evening like a good bottle of wine. Today's hors d'oeuvres-paired pours include: Mustang Sally Shiraz; Pristine Chardonnay; Nordic Frost Riesling; Three's Company GSM; Black Sheep SMM; Thousand Words Chardonnay; Thoroughbred Cabernet; and Choc-o-Bloc Tawny. $10. 6-8 p.m., 3431 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463)

Many, many more food, wine and Valentine's event after the break:

Friday, February 12: Lion's Eye Institute

For the Love of Chocolate. Local culinary students are putting their best dishes forward to be judged by a panel of pastry chefs -- and you. Sample the entries and vote for your fave choco-inspired dish, all accompanied by wine and live music. Proceeds benefit the Lions Eye Institute Foundation and Prevent Blindness Florida. $35 individual, $50 couple in advance; $40 individual, $60 couple at the door. 7-10 p.m., 1410 N. 21st St., Tampa.

Friday, February 12: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits

Pinot Noirs of the World Crush Hour. As Bern's fabulous wine events often sell out on their own, without any help from the amour-driven consumer madness of Valentine's Day, I recommend making reservations for tonight's tasting in advance. On pour are wines from Burgundy, New Zealand, Oregon and California, with wineries including Merry Edwards (Sonoma), Ken Wright (Oregon), Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy (Burgundy), Jules Taylor (New Zealand), Foxen (Santa Maria Valley) and more. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

Friday, February 12: Uncorked Fine Wines

Italia, Land of Romance. Italian is the language of amore, but tonight's tasting of Italy's varietals won't require a word -- a good glass of vino is the perfect way to say those three little words. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 Fourth Street N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday, February 12: Vintage Wine Cellars

Sweater Weather Reds. First, try saying "sweater weather reds" 10 times fast. Once you're feeling good and foolish, check out tonight's tasting of seasonal reds that are bold, rich and zesty. Sweater weather might not visit Florida often, but it sure is a good excuse for cozying up with a bottle (or three) of vino. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931)

Friday, February 12 - Saturday, February 13: Publix Apron’s Cooking School

Romantic Rendezvous. A sumptuous dinner alone with your sweetie is the perfect way to set the mood -- even if your culinary skills are below par. Bring them up to snuff with today's cooking class, for which the menu includes: crab cakes served over a bed of mixed greens with an orange buerre blanc; spinach salad with a warm bacon vinaigrette and fried goat cheese; cream of roasted garlic and pepper soup; rack of lamb with a port wine demi glace atop garlic mashed potatoes;  and espresso ancho pot de crème. $100 per couple. 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Friday, February 12 - Sunday, February 14: The Grape

Valentine's Weekend Feature. An evening of amour can quickly turn sour when shared with a restaurant packed to the gills with French-kissing couples or crying babies. That's why The Grape's weekend-long lovey-dovey menu special is ideal -- choose the perfect (and least crowded) time to share a tempting meal with your lady (or lord) of love. The Chef's menu includes: curried shrimp with Israeli cous cous, preserved lemon, cucumber and mint yogurt sauce, paired with Gruet Blanc de Noir Brut; mixed greens tossed with house-made red wine vinegar, unfiltered olive oil, fresh herbs, marinated olives and goat cheese, paired with Belle Glos "Meiomi" Pinot Noir; blue crab stuffed filet mignon with herb butter, twice-baked Yukon golds and roasted asparagus, paired with Marietta Cabernet Sauvignon; and chocolate-covered strawberry creme brulee with marshmallow foam, paired with Banfi "Rosa Regale" Brachetto d'Acqui. $90 per couple. 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463)

Saturday, February 14: A La Carte Event Pavilion

Sojourn: La Dolce Vita. A gourmet, wine-paired dinner and one of the most prestigious black-tie affairs in Florida -- tonight, you're going to live the sweet life inspired by the culture and cuisine of Italy. Proceeds benefit WEDU. 6 p.m., 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa (813-831-5390)

Saturday, February 13 - Sun., February 14: WineMall

Valentine's Bachelorette Party. We had to include at least one event for the single ladies out there (and the dudes who are chasing them -- you have fertile hunting ground tonight.) Forget your all-alone blues with $3 inport beers, $5 glasses of wine, $13 bottles of champagne, bachelorette party games, live folk rock by BCE and a group of girlfriends who will be more than happy to join you in downing a pint (or three) of Ben & Jerry's. 7 p.m.- 1 a.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711)

Sunday, February 14: The NoHo Bistro

Valentine's Day Feature. Start with an aphrodisiac, sample a few wines in a middle, and end with decadent dessert. Today's five-course meal includes: Oysters Rockefeller with watercress, fennel and Parmesan;  Avocado and hearts of palm salad with a pomegranate vinaigrette; Mushroom-sherry soup with sautéed wild mushrooms, and a Parmesan pastry twist; A choice of entree including lamb chops with rosemary cheese grits and asparagus; grilled fresh fish with mango salsa; or a vegetarian option of ratatouille and stuffed half-roasted eggplant, gratinée style; the dessert selection includes chocolate hazelnut flourless cake; apple strudel with lavender ice cream; lemon curd tartlets; and white chocolate cheesecake with port-glazed strawberries. A three course meal is also available, along with wine pairings for each menu. $55 five-course meal with $25 wine pairing; $40 three-course meal with $15 wine pairing. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691)