PASTA CLASS

Even though Primo Grill (601 South Pine, Tacoma) is expecting to relocate down the street this summer it still hosting its popular Saturday afternoon culinary courses. Chef McManus will focus on fresh pasta 2-4 p.m. March 1. The cost is $65, which includes recipes, instruction and lunch paired with a glass of wine. Reservation is required; call Jacqueline to hold your spot at 253.383.7000. Wouldn't your mother be impressed?!

GROWING AND TALKING GRAPES

King's Books (218 Saint Helen's Ave., Tacoma) often hosts foodie centric events. At 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, Edgewood viticulturist David Johnston will chat all things grapes, highlighting "Growing Grapes in the Pacific Northwest." It's an awesome opportunity for green thumbs to pick his brain. This event is sponsored by Sustainable Tacoma Pierce County (natch).

SOUTH SOUND WINE TRAIL

Though it gets a lot less press than Woodinville, the South Sound also has a number of wineries. The South Sound Wine Trail ventures through Olympia, Lacey and Shelton. Participating wineries are tucked throughout Thurston County and include Madsen Family Cellars, Medicine Creek Winery, Northwest Mountain Winery, Scatter Creek Winery, Stottle Winery, Vina Salida and Walter Dacon Wines. Because there is not a central tourism district, you can create your own adventure - choose a bed and breakfast like the Swantown Inn Bed and Breakfast, a chain hotel or make a daytrip of the South Sound Wine Trail since it's under an hour from JBLM. The best time to tour the South Sound Wine Trail is during the annual Wine and Chocolate Passport ride, which is Feb. 28-March 2 this year. The wineries invite the public to taste their vinos paired with delicious rich chocolates. A passport costs $30 in advance, $40 at the doors, and includes samples from six of the participating wineries. Participants need not visit all wineries in one day. For full event details and map, visit southsoundwinetrail.com.

MARDI GRAS

Morso Restaurant and Wine Bar (9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor) hosts a Fat Tuesday celebration March 4. Expect authentic New Orleans and Cajun cuisine, including King Cake flown in from Louisiana. Also expect a lot of wine.