* An international Syrah tasting is being held at Global Restaurant on Wednesday, April 29, from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Wines are from the Country Vintner and the event is hosted by Jeremy Mason. Hors d'oeuvres will be paired with each wine. Featured wines include Charles Smith "Boom Boom" Columbia Valley 2007 Syrah; Ferraton Crozes Hermitage Matiniere Rhone 2006; Qupe Central Coast 2007 Syrah; and D'Arenberg Footbolt McLaren Vale 2005 Shiraz. $16 per person (plus tax and gratuity). 704-248-0866. www.global-restaurant.com.
* The Wine Shop at RiverGate, 14142 RiverGate Parkway, is now open for Sunday brunch: 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. 704-831-9000.