Wine tastings, releases in North Georgia

This month's wine tastings, new releases:

-Nov. 14: The Rome Fine Wine Festival is from 3 until 6 p.m. at The Forrest Building Ballrooms at 436 Broad St. This event will feature wines from around the world as well as from local restaurants and caterers. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Kroger, Provino’s, Riverside Gourmet, World Hi Fi and the Visitors Center. Each guest receives a complimentary Riedel glass. A patrons' party will be held from 1 until 3 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Fricks. Private sommeliers with high-end wines will serve guests at this private tasting. Individual tickets are $85 per person. All proceeds benefit the Rome Symphony Orchestra. Restaurants and caterers include Coosa Country Club, Harvest Moon Cafe, Meals on Heels, Panera Bread, Provino's Italian Restaurant, The Greener Burger, The Olive Garden, Two Can Do and WOW Cafe & Wingery. Details: 706-291-7967 or www.romesymphony.org.

-Nov. 18, Riverside Gourmet, Rome, 6:30 p.m. "Pinot Noirs and Thanksgiving Wines"

-Nov. 20: Tiger Mountain Vineyards. Rabun Red release party, 1-4 p.m.. Sliders--and live music.

-Nov. 27, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, release party for Serenity Cellars 2010 New Vogh.

What ahead at the North Georgia wineries:

-Nov. 13, Naturally Georgia Tasting Room, Dahlonega, 5-8 p.m. A 'Prelude to Thanksgiving' wine tasting and food pairing. Plus: Meet John and Martha Ezzard of Tiger Mountain Vineyards

-Nov. 13: Frogtown Cellars, Wine Maker Dinner celebrating the end of the Longest Harvest Season. Dinner includes four courses paired with wine followed by dessert. $75 per person plus tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Reservations required.

-Nov. 14: Wolf Mountain Vineyards: Eighth annual Wild Game Brunch & Red Wine Festival. Click

-Nov. 20: Tiger Mountain Vineyards. Rabun Red release party, 1-4 p.m.. Sliders--and live music.

-Nov. 20-21: Three Sisters Vineyards: celebrating the 'best of the best' with ' a limited taste of our finest dessert wines.' $20 tastings.

-Nov. 27, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, release party for Serenity Cellars 2010 New Vogh, 2-5 p.m.

-Dec. 3-5: Second Winter Wine Highway weekend: Nine wineries participating with each offering special events during the weekend, according to the Wine Growers Association of Georgia. Additional details will be announced soon. The spring wine highway weekend usually is held in March as well. The winter tour's hours: Friday. Dec. 3 2-5 p.m.; -Saturday, Dec. 4: Noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5: 12:30-5 p.m.

-Dec. 11: Tiger Mountain Vineyards. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hot mulled wine, hors d’oeuvres, gifts for the wine lovers on your list. Appalachian Christmas music.

-March 18-20: Fifth Annual Wine Highway Weekend. More details soon.