Worried about the prices of food and fuel? Don't -- these are recession-proof industries, and like it or not, we'll keep paying for them.
But there's another commodity that won't stop selling because of the falling dollar: Wine.
We may become choosier, but we'll continue to consume it. After all, there is nothing like a little Riesling to sweeten the sting at the pumps. Fortunately, Richmond is awash with tastings to help us decide which bottle to take home. And many of these weekly wine tastings are free, unless otherwise noted ... something your pocketbook is sure to love.
Weekly Tastings:
Monday:
Can Can Brasserie: Tastings led by Bob Talcott, mentor to many Richmond wine professionals (and doppelganger to the Monopoly Man), at this popular Carytown restaurant. The Monday, June 30 tasting features four wines from the Basque region of France. 6 to 7 p.m. Cost: $1. 3120 W. Cary St., (804) 358-7274
Fleming's Prime Steak House & Wine Bar: On the first Monday of each month, sample three to four wines from same region with complimentary appetizers at the bar at this Stony Point Fashion Park restaurant. Next date: Monday, July 7, 5 to 7 p.m. 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 272-7755
Tuesday:
Cafe Caturra: Taste several wines with light snacks at the bar in this Southside café followed by live music beginning at 6:30 p.m. until close. 1200 Alverser Plaza, (804) 897-4773
Wednesday:
Cafe Caturra: Compare and contrast Old World (France, Italy and Spain) and New World (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and California) wines in relaxed Southside setting with live music from 6:30 p.m. until close. 13830 Village Place, (804) 378-4955.
Thursday:
The Wine Market: The owner, Mike, pours four wines from a well-chosen selection at this West End shop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 11367 Nuckols Road, (804) 747-5550
Wine & Beer Westpark: See Matt for tutorial on how to blend sardonic humor and wine. This Thursday, see David O'Neill of Cobblestone Cellars for cooling wines from Austria from 4 to 7 p.m. 9631 W. Broad St., (804) 965-9100
Friday:
Once Upon a Vine North: Eclectic shop with wine, beer and a vintage Mercedes for sale. Try four wines and then watch a movie in the parking lot with Bob from 5 to 8 p.m. at this beloved Northside store. 4009 MacArthur Ave., (804) 726-9463
Corks & Kegs: Wine-guy March is big on debunking factory wineries that put dollars into advertising instead of into the contents of their bottles. Learn more about it every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at weekly tasting in this West End wine shop. 7110 Patterson Ave., (804) 288-0816
Village Fine Wine & Cigar: Visit Bruce, who extols the virtue of wine, beer and rock 'n' roll in an antiquarian wine shop every Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 7021 Three Chopt Road, (804) 673-0006
The Wine Cellar: Jeff is determined to help you discover why you like or dislike a wine on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. 2017 Walmart Drive, (804) 378-0165
River City Cellars: This shop is more Video Fan than Blockbuster. Bring your own glass and try indie favorites poured by Peter from 5 to 7 p.m. 2931 W. Cary St., (804) 355-1375
Strawberry Street Vineyard: Pink wine rules at this Fan wine shop. Ask for more details at the weekly wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. 407 Strawberry St., (804) 355-1839
Kroger Eastridge: Eclectic, value-focused wine department in this supermarket chain. Its weekly tastings are from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 1510 E. Ridge Road, (804) 288-2730
Once Upon A Vine South: Wine and occasional beer tastings for a Dogtown-centric crowd every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. 2817 Hathaway Road, (804) 864-9463
Saturday:
J. Emerson: The preppiest wine store in the city with stellar Burgundy collection. Informal Saturday tastings happen each week from 2 p.m. until close … wander in and try what's open. 5716 Grove Ave., (804) 285-8011
Kroger at Willow Lawn: Wine manager and artist Sexton seeks out big wines with little price tags from smaller distributors at this grocery chain. Taste for yourself on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, (804) 288-2885
Wine Events this Week:
J.Emerson: J.Emerson presents an evening with importer Bartholomew Broadbent. Five wines, including a heat-busting vinho verde and gems from the Douro. Presented by an authority on wine, Broadbent pours port and sherry with British accent. Free. Wednesday, June 25. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 5716 Grove Ave., (804) 285-8011
Bella Vino: Things get sticky at Bella Vino when they serve eight of the best Rieslings from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today. Age-worthy and ready for the dinner table, Riesling is my favorite noble grape. Nominal charge of $15 for world-class, vintage Riesling paired with food from Osaka. Thursday, June 26. 8 to 9 p.m. 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., (804) 272-3202
Down the Road:
Delfosse Wine Dinner at The Jefferson Hotel on July 16, call (804) 788-8000 for details.
Monthly First Friday Wine and Food Tasting at European Market & Cafe on July 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Six wines with food from Chef Amanda's kitchen are featured. $15 in advance, reservations required. 2001 1/2 W. Main St., (804) 355-5182
If your favorite tasting or event isn't listed, it is because of ignorance, not malice. Post the where and when in the comments section.