Hudson Valley Events

Introduction to the Wines & Foods of Southern Italy
May 21, 6-8:30
Mount St. Mary's Desmond Campus, Balmville

The southern part of the Italian peninsular "boot" is home to many great-valued red wines, and for those willing to seek them out, exciting white wines. For dinner, some of Italy's hearty southern cuisine will be provided to enjoy the wines. Class includes a lecture (about 1 hour) with a comprehensive handout, followed by a light dinner, and a tasting of at least 6 wines paired with the food.

(845) 565-2076; www.midvalleywine.com

Annual Wing Fling
Jun. 2, 11:30-5
Kiwanis Ice Arena at Cantine Field, Saugerties

A spectacular afternoon of great food, drink, live entertainment and lots of great free activities for children. Cast your vote in the best overall wings in the region. Celebrity Judges will be choosing "Best Hot", "Best Barbecue," "Best Mild," "Best Garlic," and "Best Exotic." This year will include a chicken wing eating contest. $5 per person (children 8 and under free).

(845) 338-5100; www.ulsterchamber.org

Introduction to the Wines & Foods of Green Spain
Jun. 4 & 18, 6-8:30
Mount St. Mary's Desmond Campus, Balmville

Geographers and wine writers refer to Iberia's northwestern and northern Atlantic coastal regions as "Green Spain", because the landscape there is drastically more verdant than almost any other part of the entire country. These cool, aritime-climate areas are the source of many crisp, aromatic white wines as well as some flavorful but lighter-bodied reds. Class includes a lecture (about 1 hour) with a comprehensive handout, followed by a light dinner showcasing some regional foods, and a tasting of at least 6 wines paired with the food.

(845) 565-2076; www.midvalleywine.com

Backyard Biodynamics: Designing Your Herb Garden
Jun. 9, 9-4
Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, Ghent

Holistic gardening on two acres or less. Learn to design and plant culinary and medicinal herb gardens with Katherine Whiteside, author of The Way We Garden Now. Explore various techniques, and join in planting a Spiral Garden. $45 per person.

(518) 672-7500; www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/classes-workshops; carloine@hawthornevalleyfarm.org

Say Cheese: Take Home Mozzarella
Jun.22, noon-3
Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, Ghent

Join Hawthorne Valley Farm's cheesemaker, Peter Kindel, for a day of hands-on cheesemaking. Learn the science and art of turning fresh milk into fabulous curds, and take home your own handmade fresh mozzarella. Class size is limited. $65 per person; $20 deposit required.

(518) 672-7500; www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/classes-workshops; caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org

Summer Herbs Workshop: Healing Balms for Bites, Stings, & Rashes
Jun. 29, 10-3
Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, Ghent

Lean ways in which we can work with plants to calm the calamities of common stings, bites, burns, and rashes (including poison ivy). Includes materials and a simple vegetarian lunch. $55 per person.

(518) 672-7500; www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/classes-workshops; caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org

Farm to Table Benefit Dinner
Jul. 6, 5pm
Katchkie Farm, Kinderhook

Enjoy a delicious evening on the farm including a pig roast and hors d'oeuvres prepared by local chefs. All proceeds support The Sylvia Center's garden to table programs. Ticket available online at www.sylviacenterdinner2013.eventbrite.com

(212) 337-6075; www.katchkiefarm.com