The Umlauf Garden Party, Austin’s loveliest outdoor benefit, takes place tonight at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (605 Robert E. Lee Rd., 462-6050). Guests can stroll through the peaceful sculpture garden at twilight, sipping wine and sampling signature dishes from 21 of Austin’s top restaurants while enjoying the music of the Nash Hernan­dez Orchestra. Silent-auction items will include custom terra-cotta pots designed by Austin notables and celebrities, plus a Texas landscape painted by featured artist Gordon Fowler. Tickets are $100 at the museum store and selected Twin Liquors outlets and $115 at the door. Thursday, April 24, 6:30-9:30pm.

Dallas and Austin chef/restaurateur Kent Rathbun, owner of Jasper’s (11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, 834-4111), has created a four-course menu to pair with the wines of Sonoma, Calif.’s Robledo Family Winery. Lorena Robledo will be on hand to present her family’s award-winning wines. Tickets are $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Monday, April 28, 6:30pm.

Enjoy a seven-course Italian feast prepared by chef Louis Ciola at Ciola’s Italian-American Restaurant (1310 RR 620 S., 263-9936, www.ciolas.com). Seating is limited, so call for reservations. $45 per person. Thursday, May 1, 7pm.

This article appears in April 25 • 2008.

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