You can screen your dates through sites like Match.com, but how about screening the bar patrons at your next night out? more ›

David vs. Goliath, Age vs. Drink Now, Tannic vs. Fruit-Forward...we could go on about this fierce match-up. Wine can be completely confusing so trying to put wines in buckets is one of the best ways to begin to determine your palate's favorites and what pairs best with your dishes. To help you get a jest of the New World v. Old World buckets, we broke down what they are and, typically, how do they taste: more ›

• Tonight's the big night: our reader meetup at Sheffield's from 7-10 p.m. There really isn't anything bigger in town happening and it is totally worth braving hypothermia, frostbite and windburn to travel to our meetup. If you absolutely have to be somewhere else...
• There's a Bordeaux Matchmaking meetup this evening starting at Y Bar (224 W. Ontario St.) To RSVP visit bordeauxmatchmaking.com.
• Over at Jbar at the James Hotel (610 N. Rush St.) Time Out Chicago's Kevin Aeh is hosting an Ugly Holiday Sweater Party starting at 8 p.m. Watch the stylish don their worst Cosby and holiday-themed sweaters as complimentary appetizers from Primehouse chef Rick Gresh are passed around.

Like most, our personal budgets have tightened significantly over the past year or so. Not that cash burned a hole in our pocket before. It's just that we're being even more cognizant of closeouts and deep discounts at the wine shop than ever before. Rare is the wine that we'll buy at retail. more ›