Halls Chophouse hosts winemaker on June 21

Hugh Davies, owner and winemaker of Schramsberg Winery, will host a four-course dinner at Halls Chophouse at 7 p.m. June 21. The cost is $80 per person, and chef Matthew Niessner has come up with pairings for these well-received wines.

Halls is at 434 King St. 727-0090, www.hallschophouse.com.

Wine by the class

The dog days hit early this year. But Laura Alberts is just in time with a wine class on summer white wines including a tasting of a wine margarita cocktail. Appetizers are paired by chef Matt Brigham. The event takes place 7-8:30 p.m. today at Laura Alberts, 891 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island. To reserve, call 881-4711. Cost is $25 per person.

Shrimp time

Chef de cuisine Jim Walker celebrates the local shrimp season with the Old Village Post House's annual shrimp dinner June 23. This four-course menu costs $50 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are requested at 388-8935. The Old Village Post House is at 101 Pitt St. For details, click www.mavericksouthernkitchens.com.

Tasting S.C.

Whole Foods Market will celebrate local South Carolina food artisans and producers this season by hosting a Taste of South Carolina noon-4 p.m. June 26 in the Mount Pleasant store. The event is free and open to the public.

Some of the local producers who will participate are Holy City Chocolate, Neita's Vinaigrettes, Grawnola, Nicole's Nutty Goodness, Breathe Soy Candles, Scraps Jewelry, Dale's Lowcountry Cuisine, Food for the Southern Soul and more. Whole Foods Market is at 923 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Call 971-7240.

Sip and stroll

Summer Wine Strolls continue at Middleton Place Wednesdays through November. From 5:30-7 p.m., stroll through America's oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines. The wine tastings will take place in a different garden location each week.

Cost is $10 per person and reservations are not required. The Middleton Place Restaurant will be open, and participants planning to extend their evening with dinner should call for reservations at 266-7477. Visit the website at www.middletonplace.org or call 556-6020.

Tomato talk

Hear all about this love apple from Arthur Allen, author of "Ripe: The Search for the Perfect Tomato" (Counterpoint), who will speak at Blue Bicycle Books at 11 a.m. June 19. "Ripe" reveals the fascinating story behind the tomato, its farmers and its fans around the world. Blue Bicycle Books is at 420 King St. For details, call 722-2666.

Taste of Bacco

Bacco Italian restaurant at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant, has launched a three-course summer tasting menu for $16. An appetizer, pasta and dessert Tuesday-Thursday. To reserve, call 884-6969.

Eurasia to open

Patriots Plaza will see a new restaurant this September when Jerry Flowers opens an upscale, casual diner called Eurasia. Meredith Adams will assume chef's responsibilities, and local Andy Fallon (Samos Taverna) will be involved in the operation. A Sept. 1 opening is planned.

Duke-ing it out

Dukes Barbecue plans to open its first metropolitan location on James Island by July 1. Terry O'Quinn (owner, Dukes Barbecue, Walterboro) is assisting son Brian O'Quinn and partner Eric Beltz in the launching of Duke's James Island located at 331 Folly Road. It will be an all-you-care-to-eat buffet-style diner in the site of the former Captain D's.

Hammett's lands

Hammett's Landing opened on Daniel Island at 901 Island Park Drive. 471-2750, www.hammettslanding.com.

You're hired!

Laura Alberts has hired Pat Sharp as beer tender for the popular Wednesday night's Growler Hour and special event beer dinners. Laura Alberts is at 891 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island.

Meanwhile, Social Restaurant + Wine Bar has hired Zach Smith as the new general manager. Before joining Social, Smith worked in the hospitality industry for nine years in Charlotte and Houston. Social is at 188 East Bay St. It opens at 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 577-5665, www.socialwinebar.com.

Pop a top for Pop

Woodlands Inn will hold a Father's Day Beer & BBQ Tasting Menu at 6 p.m. June 19 in conjunction with Palmetto Brewery. The event features four courses, beer pairings with each course and an after-meal cigar and bourbon. Live music will be provided by the South Carolina Broadcasters.

On June 20, the Inn will host a Father's Day Buffet Brunch for $55 per person 1:30 a.m.-3 p.m. All fathers receive a 20 percent discount. The brunch features red eye gravy, and an oyster roast and pony beer station on the terrace. There will be food stations and pricing for children. The cost for each event is exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 308-2115. Visit www.woodlandsinn.com.

Five Guys ink deal

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries has leased 2,700 square feet at 1209 N. Main St., Summerville.

Bread rising

Normandy Farm Artisan Bakery will add a second location on Maybank Highway on Johns Island.