East Bay Urban Wine Tastings

For fans of urban wineries, there are a few events this week and next celebrating local makers from the East Bay.

Today from 6-9 p.m., Nirvano.com is hosting a tasting of San Francisco, Treasure Island and Oakland wineries at SOM bar in the Mission. Tickets are $10 with RSVP and $20 at the door. East Bay wineries include JC Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Donkey and Goat Winery, and Periscope Cellars. Nirvano.com is a wine rating guide for iPhones.

On Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., try a free tasting of Eden Canyon Vineyard’s just released 2007 “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon and NV “Suerte” at Periscope Cellars in Emeryville. While there, also check out free tastings from Periscope Cellars and Urbano Cellars Winery. The two experiment with blends, especially Periscope Cellars, which hovers near the minimum percentage required for Syrahs, Cabernets and Zins.

Lastly, the third annual Passport to the East Bay Wine Trail will be held next Saturday, April 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Twenty East Bay wineries, including many not open to the public, will take over seven locations in Oakland, Emeryville and Alameda to offer everything from Barbera to Zinfandel. Tickets are $30 in advance, $45 at the door, and include a souvenir Riedel glass. Check out the East Bay Vintner’s Alliance page for participating wineries, which include big names like Rosemblum Cellars in Alameda and smaller ones like Two Mile Wines on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley.

Photo: Sweetmemorybaskets.com