On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

May 13: Brooklyn Brewery's Pigfest
Rain or shine, there will be cold beer, live music, and Niman Ranch pork and chicken slow-cooked by the Waterfront Alehouse's own Sam Barbieri, Steve Harkavy, Bon Soir Caterers' Jeff Reilly, and Rob Richter of Big Island Barbeque. Proceeds from this year's event go to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. Beer and Food are included with admission. Advance tickets $75. At the door $85. 1PM-6PM at the Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park (corner of Water and Dock Sts., DUMBO).

May 13: The Kingdom of Navarra (Spain) visits New York
Join Waldemar & Nadia, Discovery Wines and Despana Brand Foods for a celebration of the culinary products and wines of Navarra, Spain. Located in the north of Spain, Navarra boasts a long and rich history of agriculture and gastronomic culture. This ancient kingdom has captivated all who visit, from the pilgrims who traversed the mountainous El Camino de Santiago, to Hemmingway running the bulls in Pamplona. Join them for a tasting of cheese, wine and tapas, and find out why people are falling in love with Navarra. Free, 5pm through 7pm at Discovery Wines Store, located at 10 Avenue A, between Houston and 2nd Street. Tel (212) 674-7833.

May 16: Bouchaine Winemaker Michael Richmond
Michael Richmond is known to his colleagues on the west coast, as the man who put California Pinot Noirs on the map. He is the supervising wine maker at Bouchaine, the oldest property in his beloved Carneros, where he makes several Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Syrahs of the highest distinction. Join the folks at Morell Wine for a tasting of 6 of Mike Richmond's current releases. 6:30-8:30pm, Morrell Tasting Room: 729 7th Avenue 15th floor (48-49 Streets), limited to 40 guests, $29.95. RSVP to Lauren Bretzfield 212-688-9370 x2209 Paired Artisanal Cheeses will be served

May 16: Cheez-a-Polooza
Come join Mâitre Fromagers Max McCalman, Waldemar Albrecht, Nadia Muna Gil for a truly memorable evening of cheese pairing conversation and appreciation. The event will feature an array of nine of this spring’s best artisan cheeses from around the world, paired to perfection with selections from the Nolita House renowned wine and beer list. Some of the pairings include a New York State Riesling with a French Comte, an Argentinean Malbec with a Dutch Roomano, and a Belgian Beer with a Spanish Serena. Guests will move from station to station sample pairings at their own pace while engaging in cheese “Q & A” with distinguished experts and other cheese enthusiasts. 7-9 pm, tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the door. All guests will be entered to win either a signed copy of Max McCalman’s latest book; a private tour of the Artisanal Cheese Center’s cheese caves or dinner for two at Nolita House Restaurant & Bar. To purchase tickets please call (212) 625-1712. Nolita House, 47 East Houston Street between Mott & Mulberry Streets.