Get Out Of The Heat: Wine Events Galore This Week and Weekend

Sometime in the midst of an Austin summer, an indoor event with fancy drinks is just what you need. For those looking for indoor wine drinking options in the immediate future, here are three events worth your time and consideration:

Field Of Dreams - United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond (Indoors) - 6:30pm TODAY: Nolan Ryan fans, hop in your cars - the baseball legend has announced he will attend tonight's wine and food event benefiting the Nolan Ryan Foundation and the Miracle League of Austin. The party features a wide portfolio of wines from the popular Francis Ford Coppola lines, along with food provided by McCormick and Schmick's, North, Cool River Cafe, The Salt Lick, Fleming's, Quality Seafood, Mirabelle, Tiff's Treats, and Z'Tejas. There is also a silent auction full of sports memorabilia and rare wines to gawk at. Tickets for the event are $35 for Wine and Food Foundation members and $45 for general purchase. They will be available this evening at the door.

1st Anniversary Party - Uncorked - 5pm Saturday: Has it already been a year since Uncorked brought their classy and friendly wine bar to East Austin? We suppose so, as they are having an anniversary event on Saturday featuring free food, drink, and entertainment. There will also be music from Johnny Goudie and Monica Da Silva beginning around 6pm. Admission is free, but Uncorked urges those interested in free food and drink to arrive early, since supplies are limited.

Penfolds Moonlight Release Party - Max's Wine Dive - 9:30pm Sunday: This late-night event features the debut of the 2004 Penfolds Grange, considered by many to be the finest Shiraz produced in the world (and at $250 a bottle, it better be.) Along with the Grange, attendees will also sample the 2006 Yattarna Chardonnay, 2006 RWT Barossa Shiraz, 2005 St. Henri Shiraz, and the 2006 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon. Max's will have Penfolds winemaker Steve Lienert via video simulcast from Australia to discuss the tasting line-up and answer questions. Attendance at the event requires the purchase of a $100 Max's gift card - but you can use said gift card at any point or on multiple visits. Call 512.904.0111 for reservations.