Hello from beautiful Santa Rosa, California! I’m here getting ready to overindulge in two of my favorite things in the world: distance running and wine! No, really… on Sunday I will be running my 4th half marathon with my Team Challenge Long Island friends: the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon (and here’s why).  Of course while I’m away, I can’t forget my peeps at home on Long Island. So, here are my picks for this weekend*:

Friday Happy Hour

In my efforts to suggest something different for happy hour tonight, may I suggest the following:

Looking for a family-friendly event for a change? Grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and head out to East Setauket for the 2012 Backporch Concert Series at Benner’s Farm (5-9pm) to see Nigel’s Acoustic Bridge. Admission is only $7 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.

 Saturday

Grab your best cocktail dress and horse-racing hat, and get to the North Shore to enjoy an old fashioned Clam Bake at the Vanderbilt Estate on Northport Bay. Enjoy an evening of food, music and dancing under the stars at this benefit event to support museum education programs. Come hungry: the event features a menu of seafood-lovers’ favorites — from whole steamed lobsters, clams, mussels and clam chowder to barbecued chicken, burgers, hot dogs and corn-on-the-cob — plus wine and beer. It will take place in the Vanderbilt’s celebration tent on the west lawn of the mansion. Tickets: $100 per person (includes beer, wine and soda). Purchase tickets online at the Vanderbilt Museum website, or call the Vanderbilt at 631-854-5579 (Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm)

Sunday

I have to say that I regret not being around for this really cool seminar at Castillo di Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue: Getting Published with Tom Clavin and Phil Keith ($50 from 2-5pm). Granted this is more for aspiring authors than for wine drinkers, but I couldn’t resist posting information about it here (for those of you who don’t know, I’m also a high school English teacher here on Long Island). Light refreshments will be served, and each attendee gets to leave with  free autographed copy of one of the hosts’ books. Register on the website linked above.

Here’s your chance to stuff your face for a good cause!

If you’re not writing a book, channel your inner chubby-kid and head over to West Islip for the 2nd Annual Villa Monaco “Thrilla at the Villa” and help support the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition. Food, drinks, raffles, live music, and a ravioli eating contest! Admission is free; visit this website for details and directions.

*Keep in mind that events may be changed or cancelled without notice. Bottle of White does not accept any responsibility for any such changes that are made after this post was written. Always check website or call ahead to confirm. Enjoy and drive safely!