Ponte pairings - 7 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. dinner Tue., Cafe Ponte, 13505 ICOT Blvd., Clearwater. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres, then taste Fetzer wines paired with three courses from chef Christopher Ponte. $75 inclusive. RSVP (727) 538-5768.
Profusion and Merryvale - 7 p.m. June 19, Profusion, 2223 N West Shore Blvd. (Bay Street at International Plaza), Tampa. Benefit dinner pairs wines from Napa Valley's Merryvale Vineyards with four-course menu that includes sushi, dim sum basket, herb-crusted baby rack of lamb and more. $75, plus tax and gratuity. Benefits the Abilities Foundation. (813) 353-8400 to reserve.
Simply Salsa Fiesta - 2-4 p.m. June 20, Lodge at Mainlands, 9381 U.S. 19 N, Pinellas Park. Fiesta presents tasting incorporating an array of salsas, from fruity and sweet to spicy hot, plus Latin music. Free admission. Call (727) 576-1234.
Pepper festival - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 22, Beckett Lake Nursery, 2251 Montclair Road (one block north of Sunset Point Road, off Belcher), Clearwater. Wide variety of plants for sale, plus samples of hot and BBQ sauces, spice rubs, pepper jellies and salsa from vendors. Amateur hot sauce and salsa-making contests, cooking demos (11 a.m., 2 p.m. both days). Free admission. Call (727) 796-7950.
