Two downtown Fort Worth fine dining destinations will host wine dinners this week, a rarity for both. This week also brings an annual downtown beer tasting event that's marking its 18th year. Things get spicy in Bedford for a hot sauce festival, and there's a not-to-be-missed sommelier "smackdown" wine pairing competition in Grapevine. Start the week with a THC-infused beverage tasting that's free.

Tuesday, October 15

THC-Infused Drink Tasting at Roy Pope Grocery
Curious about THC-infused beverages? Learn about the unique ingredients during this complimentary tasting event at Roy Pope Grocery, recognized for its lengthy lineup of THC canned drinks in Fort Worth. Come and go between 4:30-7 pm.

Wednesday, October 16

Carpineto Wine Dinner at 61 Osteria
It’s a rare wine dinner at the acclaimed downtown Italian dining destination. Guests will partake in five courses paired with Italian wines from Carpineto. Chef Blaine Staniford’s menu will range from wood-grilled octopus to cocoa-rubbed short rib with gorgonzola-studded polenta. Dinner is $160, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Sommelier Smackdown at Hotel Vin
Take part in a wine pairing challenge that comes with a five-course dinner at Grapevine’s posh Hotel Vin. Two master sommeliers will go head-to-head in the friendly competition to determine who can best pair wines with the meal. The master sommeliers will be Jack Mason and Steven McDonald, two of only 269 worldwide. Guest chef Aaron Adamson of The Barfield Hotel in Amarillo will join Hotel Vin chef Juan Pablo Silva on the menu collaboration, which will include scallop crudo in mini seaweed cones, heirloom beet carpaccio, chili glazed octopus, 45-day dry aged beef with potato gratin and parsley pudding, and olive oil cake. Tickets are $125, plus tax and a fee, and the event begins at 6:30 pm in the 4th-floor foyer for a reception with wine and passed hors d'oeuvres. Complimentary parking will be available in the Grapevine Main Parking Tower for 90 minutes, then $1 per hour.

Saturday, October 19

North Texas Hot Sauce Festival at Turning Point Beer
The Bedford brewery will bring the heat during this second annual hot sauce tasting event featuring more than 35 hot sauce makers from all over Texas. Sample the sauces and enjoy live music, craft beer, and free Rambler sparkling waters. The event is free to attend and will run from 11 am-7 pm.

OctoberFeast at Flying Saucer
The downtown draught emporium will host its 18th annual beer tasting extravaganza featuring 80-plus unique brews from around the world, along with live music and food. Tickets start at $35 and include a souvenir tasting glass and tasting card for 12 beer tastings with entry at 2 pm. Or go VIP for $65 and get entry at 1pm, access to exclusive beer tastings, snacks, bottled water, plus a $15 food credit to Flying Saucer. The party will run until 6 pm. Lederhosen encouraged.