Food Stuff

Sideways may have been snubbed at the Oscars, but it’s still getting attention from wine aficionados, including those at Enotria Cafe & Wine Bar. The movie is the theme this month for the restaurant’s new weekly tastings, held Fridays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tastings used to be held monthly, but Enotria has reduced the price to $5 (for tastes of four to six wines) and increased the frequency. Wine director Michael Chandler says the reason was twofold: “We own a really cool building, the original Swanson’s Cleaners building, so I made it a reason to clean it up and use it. Secondly, it was a great way to get folks in here to taste some great wines.” At the first tasting on February 25, nearly 40 guests tried California zinfandels. This week’s tasting, on March 11, features wines of the Santa Barbara region. On March 25, tasters can explore the film’s darling varietal, pinot noir. Just don’t ask for merlot.