• Celebrate the Fourth of July at Becker Vineyards (830/644-2681, www.beckervineyards.com) by competing in its Independence Day Chili Cook-off to benefit Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. 2008 Terlingua International Chili Championship winner Susan Dean will be cooking her chili at the event. For official Chili Appreciation Society International rules, schedule details, and entry fees, contact Alan Dean (512/809-4140; 112 Leaning Oaks Dr., Johnson City, TX 78636). Brian Mullin will provide the music, and chili-tasting fee is $5 per person. Judging begins at 2pm. Saturday, July 4, 10am-6pm.

• The A22 Wine Bar at Central Market Westgate (4477 S. Lamar, 899-4300) presents two wine dinners, featuring six small courses paired with the wines of McPherson Cellars in the Texas Panhandle. Each dinner will be $30 per person, and reservations are necessary. Tuesday, July 7, and Thursday, July 9, 6:30pm.

• Sagra (1610 San Antonio, 535-5988, www.sagrarestaurant.net) invites you to indulge in the bounty of summer tomatoes at a five-course Tomato Dinner. Each course will be paired with fine wine, and the cost is $50 per person. Reservations are necessary. Wednesday, July 8, 7pm.

This article appears in July 3 • 2009.

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