Culinary events will be held throughout year

In addition to the scheduled events for UNLVino, here are a few upcoming dates to keep in mind for interesting wine dinners, classes and functions throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

* Thursday, 6:30 p.m. -- Valley Wine & Cheese, 1770 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson, holds classes every Thursday at its shop. Tomorrow's class will cover Rieslings of the World; cost is $35. The Reds of Piedmont and Tuscany is the topic for April 10 and the class is priced at $45. Call 341-8191 for reservations.

* Friday, 7 p.m. -- The theme of this month's Bec Fin dinner at Andre's, 401 S. Sixth St., is "Birds of Bounty." Squab, quail, partridge, pheasant and African pintade will be paired with wines from around the world. A 6:30 p.m. Champagne reception precedes dinner. The cost is $125. Call 385-5016 for reservations. The June 13 Bec Fin dinner will feature food and wine from Alsace, France.

* Saturday, 4-7 p.m. -- Vintner Grill, 10100 W. Charleston Blvd., hosts an afternoon of fine wine, artisan cheeses and Lamborghinis to benefit the Children's Heart Foundation. The cost is $45; no reservations are necessary. Call 214-5590 for information.

* Tuesday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. -- Chef Roy Yamaguchi is celebrating his 20th year of business with a five-course food and wine pairing at Roy's Restaurant, 620 E. Flamingo Road. Price is $100. Call 691-2053 for reservations.

* Saturday, April 12, 7-10 p.m. -- This year, the venue for the New Vista Community Wine Walk has been changed from the MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas to The District at Green Valley Ranch. Various tasting stations will be set up throughout the pedestrian-friendly center. Tickets are $30 per person and available at the event in front of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Advance tickets are two for $50 and can be purchased online at www.newvistacommunity.org. New this year will be the Festival of the Arts & Wine Walk on May 3. Other Wine Walks will be June 21, Aug. 16, Sept. 13 and Oct. 18.

* Sunday, April 13, 4-6 p.m. -- Panevino Ristorante, 246 Via Antonio, is hosting a Tour of Italy wine and cheese tasting event to benefit the building fund for Child Haven. It is one of two events the restaurant is holding to raise money for the county shelter; the second event will be May 18. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 222-2400.

* Tuesday, April 15, 7 p.m. -- Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan of Rosemary's Restaurant, 8125 W. Sahara Ave., create five courses to pair with wines from Holdredge winery in Healdsburg, Calif. A 6:30 p.m. reception precedes dinner. Cost is $100. Call 869-2251 for reservations.

* Friday, May 2, 7-10 p.m. -- Rock 'n Roll Wine kicks off the summer with a reggae pool party at Green Valley Ranch Resort to celebrate the release of the company's latest wine, Reggae Rhapsody. The event will also feature more than 40 other wines and live reggae music from Michael Black and the Jah Guide Band. Tickets are $35 in advance and an additional $5 at the door. Those who wish to pay at the door should RSVP in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.rocknrollwine.com. To purchase by phone, call 240-3066.

* Saturday, May 3, 7-10 p.m. -- More than 200 of the world's finest wineries will be showcasing their best wines at Wine Spectator's 2008 Grand Tour at The Venetian. All wines are the publication's top-scoring selections. The event includes a light buffet. Tickets are $200 and may be purchased online at www.winespector.com.

* Tuesday, May 6, 6-8 p.m. -- Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! at the Fashion Show mall offers wine enthusiasts an opportunity to hone their tasting skills as Las Vegas' top wine importers present more than 30 of Spain's wines, sherries and brandies. Guests will also enjoy a wide selection of tapas and paella. Cost is $30 per person. For information, call 258-1211.

* May 8-11 -- Vegas Uncork'd brings together Bon Appetit Magazine, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and an exclusive group of Las Vegas resorts, including Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Hotel, Lake Las Vegas and Wynn Las Vegas, for four days of more than 25 events. Tickets for individual events range from $75 to $350, with comprehensive weekend packages available. For information on all the events during Vegas Uncork'd, visit the Web site www.bavegasuncorked.com.

* Saturday, Aug. 23, 3-7 p.m. -- The second annual O-Vino wine tasting to benefit Opportunity Village will be held at World View on the 16th floor of Building B at the World Market Center, 495 S. Grand Central Parkway. Hundreds of wineries will be on hand with samples. Food will provided by Trader Vic's. Tickets go on sale in June. For more information about Opportunity Village or this event, call 880-4096.

* Friday, Sept. 19 -- This year, the fifth annual Great Las Vegas Steakout will get a new format, new date and new location, World View at the World Market Center. Proceeds support culinary scholarship programs at the College of Southern Nevada. Executive chefs from each steakhouse or restaurant will create menu items for their tasting booths and premium wines will be paired with each selection. Details on the event and participating restaurants will be posted on the Web site www.greatlasvegassteakout .com as they become available.