Despite the fact that cocktail bars are spreading like wildfire, there are still some events dedicated to simpler "open and drink" bottles. We're talking about beers, wines and sakes. Here are some events to hit up these coming weekends.

Brunello di Montalcino Wine Dinner

This seven-course wine pairing dinner at Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse will combine the best of hearty Tuscan flavors with dishes like spiced rabbit and house-cured pancetta with porcini mushrooms and fresh taglietelle with duck ragu and foie gras. Expect labels from the Biondi Santi winery with premium bottles like a Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998 and 1970.

Educated Imbiber: Beer

This interactive workshop and tasting series is back for its ninth edition. This time the Bacchanalia bar team will focus on everything beer-related. Learn and sample six different types of beer while the kitchen team serve up creative dishes paired with each drink.

Oishii Japan

Although this Japanese fair has all things related to food and drink, skip the noodles and condiments and head straight for the sake booths where you can sample a wide variety of Japanese rice wines. There are even workshops that guide you through the sakes and what dishes to pair them with.