Beaujolais and Beyond—At one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau—a young Beaujolais wine made from Gamay grapes—begin their yearly journey to every wine-consuming corner of the world. This Thursday (for many of you, that means today) marks the hotly-awaited release date for the Beaujolais Nouveau, and with it, an international excuse to party. Look for tasting parties at many of your favorite local restaurants, including St. Clair Winery & Bistro (243-9916), Great American Land & Cattle Co. (292-1510), Graze by Jennifer James and Gulp (268-4729) and De la Tierra up in Taos (505-737-9855).

An immersion course on mastering the juice

Farty old wine snobs be warned: There is a new sommelier in town, and she's here to deliver the next generation of wine drinkers from the perpetual hell of Sutter Home White Zinfandel.

Get your holiday spirits locally

Nothing says holiday love like a good bottle of wine. It can be red, white, blush or sparkling, but try having a party without any—you'll miss that sweet, tart or bubbly grape goodness after a few rounds of Amstel Light.