On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events

June 30: Italian Wine Merchants - A Study of Friuli
Learn about Friuli-Venezia Giulia through a study of wine and food. Friuli's whites will keep you cool during the summer, but the red varietals hold their own as well. 1:00 - 3:00 pm, $75.00. Register online or by calling 212-473-2323 x106. Italian Wine Merchants - Studio del Gusto, 108 East 16th Street between Park Avenue South & Irving Place.

June 30: 5th Annual Tuttorosso Pasta-Eating Contest
Want a warm-up for the Nathan's hot-dog chowdown? Head to Little Italy this Saturday and watch Victor Hugo Quintuna. Outside Sal Anthony’s S.P.Q.R. Ristorante, 133 Mulberry St between Grand and Hester Streets, 4 p.m. For more info, call 212-302-0551 or go to littleitalynyconline.org.

July 3: Spanish Wines for a Summer BBQ
Want to find a wine to pair with everything you're grilling up this July 4th? Head to Xicala and taste four wines from small producers paired with Spanish cheeses and learn about the styles, types of grapes and aging process of these regional wines. 6:30 - 7:45 p.m., $25. Reservations are required and can be made online. Xicala Wine Bar, 151 Elizabeth Street between Kenmare and Broome. 212-945-8689.

Photo courtesy of littleitalyonline.org.