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One of the better Pinot tasting values in the county, if not the state, happens 5:30pm today (Thursday, Nov. 17) at Zeph’s One-Stop (757-3947).

For just $20 in advance (move quickly, or pay $25 at the door) sippers get to dip into superb local tastes—including a range of standout Santa Lucia Highlands wines.

Puma Road, Caraccioli Cellars, Joyce Vineyards, Mazoni Estate, Pessagno, Morgan, Paraiso, Tondré Grapefield, Pisoni, De Tierra, Tudor and Boekenoogen all pour.

Snacks from Portobello's (753-0797) and entertainment by Bruce Pittenger just sweeten the deal—as does a seasonally appropriate splash-sample of Nouveau Beaujolais.

Tonight’s also when McIntyre Vineyards goes all grand opening 4-7pm with its swanky new tasting suite (649-WINE) at Hyatt Regency Monterey next to Old Del Monte Golf Links.

“Steve McIntyre so excited he’s throwing a [free] Grand Opening Tasting Bash,” Sean Murphy emails, “so everyone can come in, sip some wine, eat some food, listen to music, check out all the cool artisan gifts from producers like Lula’s Chocolates, Robin Goodfellow Designs, Nunes Farms, Sherrard, La Biscotteria Italian Cookies, Barbara Orr and more. In addition, folks from Hyatt’s gorgeous Aquista Spa will be on hand to spoil you with spa products.”

So go seize the day. And the grape juice.