› This month's Slow Food Austin happy hour will be held at Contigo (2027 Anchor), with $5 cocktails and special menu items from chef Andrew Wiseheart. RSVP at www.slowfoodaustin.org. Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30-8pm.

› The 10 wineries along the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 host pairings of Port wines with such delectable foods as chocolates and cheeses. See more details and a map at www.wineroad290.com. Saturday, Jan. 21, 10am-6pm.

› Resolution Gardens and 5 Mile Farms (5213 Jim Hogg Ave.) present a class on how to build your own herb spiral. Free for CSA members; $5 for the public. Saturday, Jan. 21, 10am-2pm.

› Chinese New Year is Monday, Jan. 23. Among the cele­brations: Imperia Sushi Bar & Lounge (310 Col­o­rado) will have passed appetizers, drink specials, and entertainment; Din Ho Chinese BBQ (8557 Research #116) hosts dragon dancers in the parking lot and Tien Jin (4534 West Gate) will be open for dinner in honor of the new year.

› Doug English hosts the second annual Tequila Bash at Jack Allen's Kitchen (7720 Hwy. 71 W.) to benefit the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation. Five top area chefs will present dishes paired with cocktails made with six elite tequilas. Tickets are $200 per person at www.lonestarparalysis.org. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6pm.

› Supper Friends hosts a dinner at the Swoop House (3012 Gonzales) prepared by chef Jay Huang. $75 per person; check out the menu at www.supperfriends.com and reserve at 467-6600. Thursday, Jan. 26, 6pm.

› The craft of the cocktail is a hot conference topic these days, and the newest such gathering is the San Antonio Cocktail Con­fer­ence, with parties and seminars at various locations in the Alamo City's vibrant downtown. The presenters include Austin mixologists David Alan, Nate Wales, Cesar Agui­lar, and Bill Norris, and events are geared toward both professionals and enthusiasts. Buy tickets for individual parties and seminars at www.sanantoniococktailconference.com. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 26-29.