Last week I wrote about local classes for wine enthusiasts. But what about those wanting a more advanced level of study?

The wine industry has many nationally and internationally recognized certification programs. While some of these programs offer introductory courses for enthusiasts and professionals alike, more advanced certifications are often limited to those with professional experience in the industry. Few of the programs are Florida-based, but many have home-study options and local opportunities to take the certification exams.

Here’s a look at some upcoming opportunities for certification in Florida:

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Having just spent occasional evenings reading “Wine: An Introduction,” by Joanna Simon (wine correspondent of Britain’s The Sunday Times), I thought it plenty worthy to recommend and share some of its highlights with you.

It does a superb job of covering many aspects of wine – styles, grapes, tasting, food pairing, growing, storing and more – simply, yet thoroughly. It also has plenty of color photos to illustrate these topics, from detail images of various soil types to vistas of the world’s vineyards. Read the full story

I was really excited when a Spanish Rioja appeared on my desk a few weeks ago. The wine was sent to Swirl Girls for review. I’ve always had a soft spot for Spanish wines, and Rioja has long been one of my favorite regions.

The 2004 Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva retails for $19.99 at Crown Wine & Spirits. Bodegas El Coto vinified its first grapes in 1970, and since that time, it has been one of the most popular wine brands in Spain and throughout Europe. The vineyards are located in Rioja Alta, a small, highly elevated area within the larger designated region. The wines are known to be smooth and elegant.

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Ever wonder what to get for the wine lover in your life? Whether it be a co-worker, friend, or someone extra special, here are 12 gift suggestions for every budget:

1. Quicksilver EZ-grip lever corkscrew – $29.95 at Wine Enthusiast
This handy-dandy wine opener is Swirl Girls tested and approved. You’ll never need to worry about breaking a cork again! Use the separate cutter to remove the foil, then just clasp the bottle, pull the lever and open. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect gift for a wine gadget lover.

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They are passionate wine lovers and die-hard music fans. And they want a revolution. In wine.

Welcome to Wines That Rock.

Check out the custom-crafted wines inspired by legendary artists The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and the Woodstock Festival. Wines that Rock hopes to cash in on pairings of your favorite classic rock albums and their artwork, with great tasting wines.

Their first releases are 2006 Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 The Rolling Stones Forty Licks Merlot and 2008 Woodstock Chardonnay. A three-pack of wine will cost you $50.97; a six-pack $101.94; and a 12-pack $203.88.

And if the music connection isn’t enough to sway you, the vineyard in Mendocino County, California boasts sustainable farming, 100% green power, eco-friendly packaging and carbon neutrality. Now that rocks.

You can tell them what album covers you want to see on their next label, and even see the winemaker’s harvest and blending playlists!

So check out their Web site www.wine-that-rocks.com, get on their email list, sign up for social media and join the revolution.

Delray Beach almost lost the American Orchid Society and its botanical gardens early this year, but now that it will remain open, the AOS wil once again host its popular series, “Wine & Jazz in the Botanical Gardens.”

On January 21, February 18, March 18, and April 15 (the third Thursday of each of those months), the gardens and greenhouse are open from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to celebrate orchids in bloom, as patrons enjoy appetizers, wine and live music.

Morning watering at the greenhouse at the American Orchid Society. (2009 Post file photo)

Price: $20 for AOS/Garden Members and $25 for non-members.

For information and ticket purchase: by phone, call 561-404-2031; by email, swayman@aos.org; or in person, stop by the American Orchid Society Gift Shop.

“This series is a lovely way to experience the orchid gardens and greenhouse at night, take a stroll while the sun sets and enjoy live music and good food,” said Susan Wayman of the American Orchid Society. “We hope those who joined us last year return and bring new friends with them.”

Last week, Fifth Avenue Grill sommelier, Glenn Fiedler, made suggestions on alternative white wines to try. This week, we’ve got his choices for great alternative red wines. So forget what you know about Cabernet and Merlot and get ready to try some unique and exciting wines from lesser known varietals and regions.

Watch the video

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If you’re a wine drinker and you shop at Publix, then you probably know that Publix has done a good job expanding their wine selection.

What you might not know is that Publix offers a wealth of information about wine for the inexperienced or casual wine drinker. Read the full story

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN RESTAURANTS, www.fromhungertohope.com

World Hunger Relief Campaign, during the entire month of October (Global Hunger Awareness Month), all local KFC chains will collect donations to raise awareness and help stop world hunger.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 1400 Glades Road, Suite 110, Boca Raton. (561) 447-0000.

Perfect Match Weekend, the month of October. All local Whole Foods branches are offering the chance to win A Perfect Match Weekend giveaway to the 2009 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. One Grand Prize winner will receive a two-night/three-day Getaway, two Walt Disney World Florida Resident Annual Passes, two tickets to the Party for the Senses, and VIP Seating for two for an Eat to Beat Concert. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com for more information.

Wines from Spain, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, J.C. from Stacole Wines, will take you on an hour journey of wine and cheese tasting. $10

Guest Chef from Seasons 52, 1-2 p.m. Saturday. Seasons 52 is a casually sophisticated grill and wine bar that invites you to discover the sensational flavors of a seasonally changing menu. Free.

Eating, Exercise, Energy, & Metabolism: Key Components to Permanent Weight Loss, 6-7 p.m. Monday. Free.

PUBLIX APRON’S COOKING SCHOOL, Polo Club Shoppes, 5030 Champion Blvd., Suite D2, Boca Raton. (561) 994-4461 or (561) 994-4883.

The Basics of Culinary, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. today. A six-part series. Prepare full menus with techniques used by pros. $300.

The Shoestring Gourmet, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Learn to create some great, family-pleasing dishes that won’t break the bank. $35.

Crepes, 6 p.m. Friday. Learn how to make these French favorites. $40.

Big, Bad, Bold Italian Reds, 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Explore Italy’s red wine offerings. $45.

Intermediate Techniques, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday. For food enthusiasts with a significant comfort level in sautéing, slicing, and dicing. $200.

IN THE KITCHEN, in Gallery Square North, 389 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. (561) 747-7117 or www.inthekitchennow.com

Classic Steakhouse Favorites, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today. $75.

American Harvest Wine Dinner, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. $85.

Mangia Mama Italian Favorites, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 20. $75.

Tempting Tapas, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 29. $75.

CAKES ETC., 2800 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. (561) 615-4431.

Basic Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today for four weeks. $40 plus supplies.

Cookie Blossom Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday. $25, supplies included.

Intermediate Cake Decorating Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. $40 plus supplies.

Rolled Fondant/Gumpaste, 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15 for two weeks. $40 plus supplies.

After a laborious, intense week of ballot counting and allegation investigation, Chef John Carlino at Cook’s Inc. has officially declared the Swirl Girls — and wine, the winners in Saturday’s beer vs. wine showdown dinner.

It was a close win. On the first course, beer won by one vote! The Swirl Girl that voted for beer on the first course has been severely reprimanded and is currently carrying out her penance.

Overall, wine won three of the four courses.

After the results were notarized, Barley Boys graciously congratulated the Swirl Girls on their victory and immediately challenged them to a rematch.

The Swirl Girls responded quickly: “Bring it,” they said, and tossed their hair as they walked away.