Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

STAND back now, because the nation’s sommeliers are just about to pop the cork on the autumn season of tastings and dinners.

Not only are such events great fun for any wine fan, but they’re often terrific value too.

* NEXT Wednesday at 7.45pm, Liberty Wines and The Restaurant @ Donnybrook Fair play host to Almudena Imhof from Viña Izadi. She’ll be presenting a four-course dinner accompanied by wines from Rioja Alavesa, Toro and Ribera Del Duero. Tickets are €60 per person or €100 per couple. Book on 01-6144849 or at www.donnybrookfair.ie.

* ON Saturday September 3, there’s a Garden Opera and Picnic at beautiful Burren House, Timoleague, Co Cork. The gardens open at 3pm with a picnic, the performances start at 5pm, and there’s a barbecue from 5.40pm, with food provided by local producers and retailers, and wines by From Vineyards Direct (FVD). All proceeds to local charities. See www.burrenhouse.net for more information and book tickets (€69) from 021-4501673 or www.everymanpalace.com.

* ON Wednesday, September 7, Marina Cvetic will present the wines from the Masciarelli winery in the Abruzzo paired with a five-course tasting menu from 7.30pm at Thorton’s Restaurant, St Stephen’s Green.

It’s €120 per ticket for this latest dinner presented by The Corkscrew. Book online at www.thecorkscrew.ie. Pop into the shop at Chatham Street, Dublin 1, or phone [phone].

* TWO quality Australian winemakers — Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines in the Margaret River, Western Australia, and William Downie who makes wine in Victoria — have come together to host wine dinners in Dublin and Co Waterford on the following dates: Wednesday, September 7 — Cliff Town House, Dublin 2. Bookings on 01-6383939. Thursday, September 8 — The Cliff House, Ardmore, Co Waterford. Bookings on 024-87800. The cost per person at each venue is €75. For details, email [e-mail].

* See blakecreedon.wordpress .com for more, including details of Cork’s Paulaner Oktoberfest Beag beer festival.

Mas Carlot Blanc Costiere De Nimes 2009, www.fromvineyardsdirect.ie €9.95

A gorgeous, fragrant roussanne, marsanne and viognier blend from the budget end of the From Vineyards Direct portfolio.

La Reserve Claret Bordeaux 2006, www.fromvineyardsdirect.ie €9.95

This also is a remarkable wine for under a tenner — immediately accessible but rewardingly rich modern Bordeaux.

Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Widely available, €12 to €13

Try this smashing robust cabernet to get you in the mood for the Wakefield Experience at The Curragh on September 10.

Wakefield Estate Clare Valley Riesling 2008, Widely available, €12 to €13

Do try Wakefield's premium 'St Andrews' marque but even more impressive it this fresh, succulent riesling at a modest price.