Upcoming Events: Wine Class, Chef Showcases and a Tailgate Throwdown

Texas makes some mean wine, but Napa Valley is the big cheese when it comes to American wine. On Wednesday. July 24, learn all about the wines of Napa Valley at the Texas Wine School's tasting class in partnership with the Napa Valley Vintners Association. The class, which will be held at Chilled At French Country Wines from 7 to 9 p.m., will cover the geology and climate of the region, as well as the history of growing wine in Napa Valley. Tickets are $60 per person, and of course include samples.

Houston Texans Grille is hosting a "Tailgate Throwdown" benefitting the Houston Food Bank. From 2 to 5 p.m., 15 chefs from area restaurants will "grill, smoke, fry, cook and duke it out" to win prizes in categories such as Best Tailgate Setup/Decor. Houston Restaurant Weeks founder Cleverley Stone will be there to judge, along with CultureMap's Marcy de Luna, Syd Kearney from 29-95/Houston Chronicle, Eric Sandler of Eater and Katherine Whaley of Channel 11.

Last week we told you about Camerata at Paulie's, the new wine bar on Westheimer from Paul Petronella. On Sunday July 28, Camerata will celebrate its grand opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Chef Justin Bayse, formerly of Stella Sola, will cook up a few Italian dishes inspired by his honeymoon in Rome. There will also be wine, naturally, courtesy of advanced sommelier David Keck. Camerata has already been getting good reviews, so this should be a fun and delicious introduction.

Saint Arnold Brewery is hosting an event for Professionals in Culinary arts called HOPS AND HOGS - Beer and Baconmania on July 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Too bad it's not all day long. Wouldn't that be sweet? And meaty! The event will feature bacon-infused foods prepared by local chefs and culinary schools and plenty of Saint Arnold's beer for tastings. For $35 you get entrance to the celebration at Saint Arnold's and lots of yummy samples. I mean really, what beats bacon and beer on a hot summer afternoon? Yeah, I can't think of anything. Tickets are available online at the Professionals in Culinary Arts website.

Finally, the last installment of the 2013 Landry's Signature Chef Series is welcoming David Hernandez, Andrew Oliver and Joshua Wallace of McCormick & Schmick's. The trio will be preparing a seven-course meal along with drink pairings for hungry diners at McCormick & Schmick's on Uptown Park Boulevard. Guests will get to chat with the chefs at the reception before dining on a selection of dishes that highlight their talents. Tickets are $95 and include alcohol.