IN THE KNOW: Wine Tasting

Get in the know! If you like wine tasting (even if it’s on your couch), then this list is for you. We've uncorked some places that cater to everyone from new wine enthusiasts to Bacchus himself. Be sure to call and reserve a spot before the wine runs out.

Michael’s On East — Monthly Open House
1283 S. Tamiami Trail

First, you get a Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club membership card for $10. This is a one-time fee. After that, every monthly wine tasting is free. The next few dates are 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7; 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12; and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. For more info, visit bestfood.com or call 955-CORK.

Magnum Wine and Tastings
2300 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 102

There’s a little bar in the back of this wine shop with an ever-changing wines by the glass list (plus there’s select craft beer, too). You can get personal experience from knowledgeable staff any time they are open. There are also wine and food events there on occasion. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more info, visit magnumwinesrq.com or call 929-9463.

Casa Italia
2080 Constitution Blvd.

This little Italian and Indian gourmet market hosts monthly wine tastings the second Friday of every month for $10 per person. The next one is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 13. Owners Raj and Nita Mathur typically serve artisan cheese and meats to accompany the ten wines. Visit casaitaliafl.com or call 924-1179 for more information.

Sarasota Fine Wine and Tastings
4333 S.Tamiami Trail

Typically wine by the glass is big here Thursday and Friday evenings, but you can go in any time it's open and get a $5.99 glass (the menu changes weekly). Grand tastings are offered for $10 per person every second Thursday of the month; the next is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Visit sarasotafinewine.com or call 487-7933 for more information.

Sarasota Wine Club
1528 Main St.

There’s a tap system where you put as much money as you want on a card, and then utilize the money by selecting wines by how ever many ounces you want poured. If you’re hungry there’s cheese plates, light bites and food. Plus, there’s live music most weekends, and occasionally special events and happy hours. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Visit sarasotawineclub.com or call 366-6363 for more information.

WineStyles Lakewood Ranch
8225 Natures Way, Suite 111

This wine shop has great weekly tastings. The shop offers a monthly Girls Night Out with $4 wine by the glass specials (the next one is 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 11). There’s monthly wine bingo that’s free to play with a cash bar (the next one is 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18). And there’s free wine tasting most Fridays. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Visit winestyleslakewoodranch.com or call 306-5804 for more information.

Venice Wine and Coffee Company
121 W. Venice Ave., Venice

There’s a wine social 6 p.m. every Tuesday. Participants buy a bottle at the shop of their choice and pay $5 uncorking fee. It gets opened along with all the other participants’ selected bottles in a similar price range, and they are all shared. Most people bring food to share, too. For more information, visit venicewineandcoffeecompany.com or call 484-3667.