Every Saturday, local wine purveyor McCarthy & Schiering offers free wine tasting from 11am-5pm.

"It is our belief that the best way to learn about wine is to regularly sample wines from around the world... As you start to choose for yourself the style of wine that you prefer, not simply those that are recommended by highly influential wine publications, we begin to act as your wine merchant, recommending similar wines that are of interest to you as an individual," their site says.

2-5 wines are offered every tasting. Occasionally, winemakers are on hand to talk about their wines and meet guests.

I stopped by the Queen Anne shop yesterday and Barolos had the spotlight. We sampled 2004 Damilano Barolo ($48), 2004 Elvio Cogno Barolo ($47), 2004 Vietti Barolo ($50) and 2004 Prunotto Barolo ($56). Considered "Italy's greatest wine," Barolo wine is derived from the Nebiolo grape and produced in the Piedmont region.

A slew of neighborhood folks and visiting tasting fans crowded the place. We swirled, sipped and discussed food, wine and restaurants around the city. It was lovely. Come and join next time.

McCarthy & Schiering has two locations, in upper Queen Anne and Ravenna. Both offer free Saturday wine tastings from 11am-5pm. Queen Anne: 2401 B Queen Anne Ave. N & McGraw St. in the A & J Building. Phone: 206.282.8500. Ravenna: 6500 Ravenna Ave. NE. Phone: 206.524.9500.

Upcoming tastings:
Saturday, October 4
Paul Gregutt Selections, created by wine adviser Paul Gregutt and McCarthy & Schiering proprietors Dan McCarthy and Jay Schiering. The Selections will be of single vineyard offerings, unusual varietals, special clones or exceptional barrels from a particular vintage.
Gregutt will be at the Ravenna shop from 11:30am-2pm and the Queen Anne shop from 2:30pm-5pm.

Saturday, October 11
2007 Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay
2005 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Chardonnay
Family-run Domaine Drouhin winery has vineyards in Oregon's Dundee Hills, region of Willamette Valley.