3rd Corner Wine Shop, Bar & Bistro Serves Up Holiday Gifts & Winetastings

3rd Corner Wine Shop, Bar & Bistro Encinitas ( 897 S. Coast Highway 101; 760/942-2104) is hosting enophile events (Dec. 8, 10) just perfect for celebrating the holidays.

If you need a break from shopping, gather with friends over the Sunday's bottomless mimosa brunch or Mon.-Sat. happy hours (3-6 p.m, 11 p.m.-close) featuring craft draft beer $3; house red/white wine $4; red/white Sangria $4/glass, $14/carafe and well cocktail/martini $5.

Not sure what to buy a fellow wine lover? Consider the Six for $60 Wine Special Six Pack currently featuring Paggio Pinot Grigio Sicilia 2011; La Merika Pinot Noir Central Coast 2011; Domaine Laroque Cab France, Cite Carcassonne 2011; Red X, Winemakers Blend California 2010; Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Sonoma Heritage Vines 2010, Paul Cheneau Cava Lady of Spain NV.

Owner Ed Moore's newest fancy Nancy fun matches desserts and after-dinner drinks that light up the night, including Chocolate Macaroon Dessert-tini (Malibu Coconut Rum, Godiva Chocolate, Amaretto), Biscotti Coffee and Godiva Chocolate Hazlenut Coffee.

For those watching their waistline during the holiday party whirl, 3rd Corner's innovative salads are the perfect antidote, especially the grilled chicken chopped salad, roasted beet salad, smoked salmon salad paired with a cup of creamy vegetarian wild mushroom soup.

Wine Club Membership: Sign up for the newsletter and club for the 15% discount off wine shop bottles. (Retail only; not for consumption in the restaurant.)

Oliver McCrum Italian Wine Tasting: Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m.; $10/person. Enjoy a tour of Italian flavors and finishes including Sorelle Bronca NV Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Extra Dry, La Ghibellina 2011 Gavi di Gave Mainin; Pavia 2010 Blina Barbera d’Asti; Mumuelter 2011 Santa Magdalener Classico; Anna Maria Abbona 2009 Dolcetto di Dogliani Maioli; Contrade di Taurasi 2009 Aglianico; Azienda Agricola Sella 2009 Caseltorto DOC Coste dell Sesia and Bonavita 2009 Faro.

Ojai Valley Wine Dinner: Monday, Dec. 10; 6 p.m.; $65/person (plus tax/gratuity). Kick off with Rose, then five courses, fine wines:
1st Course: Shaved fennel, apples, celery, grapes, sunflowers seeds and citrus vinaigrette with McGinley Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010.
2nd Course: Herb-crusted Scottish salmon with gnocci, mushrooms, spinach, mushroom broth paired withBien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009
3rd Course: Whole grain mustard lamb loin with root vegetable hash in a Syrah demi-glace paired with Thompson Vineyard Grenache 2008 and Roll Ranch Syrah 2008
4th Course: Oregonzola, apple chutney, candied pecans and crispy cracker paired with Riesling Kick On Ranch Dessert Wine 2011.