Bar Ferdinand (1030 North 2nd Street) understands how hard you work. And sometimes you just want to be appreciated you know, have someone pat you on the back and say “nice job.” Well you won’t get exactly that at Bar Ferdinand on Friday’s but you’ll get something arguably better: a weekly changing selection of beers, wines, and spirits, paired with a tapa.

Merienda Fridays at BF last from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and each week has its own theme. So while it might not be that pat on the back and the respect of your peers, sometimes a drink and some food just what you need.

The readers’ choice of “Notable Wine Lists” features Ristorante Panorama as the only Pennsylvania establishment on the list, while there are none from New Jersey and two from Delaware (Stone Balloon Winehouse and Domaine Hudson wine bar & eatery).

You can see more about their wine system and a sampling of their ever-changing wine list here.

So now the wine kiosk program is over, much to the dismay of … well … no one.

The Movable Feast begins at the Philadelphia Wine School for the tasting before moving to Davio’s Philadelphia. The four course meal includes such dishes as Hawaiian Tuna Tartar, Heirloom Tomato Salad, and Braised Beef Short Ribs.

The event is $65.99 per person (tax and gratuity are not included). Reservations (which are highly recommended) can be made by calling 215-563-4810 or going here.

Biba, the West Philly wine/beer/cheese spot from the same folks who brought you the Tria franchise, brings us a mirage on this rain-soaked April day: A vision of a not-too-distant future late spring/summer afternoon when we leave work early, put on funny sunglasses and kick it like a boss on their brand new deck. Made of Machiche, aka Mayan Teak, a Central American hardwood that rivals teak in strength, it’s nicer than your deck and also features people bringing you wine and cheese when you should probably be updating Phoodie. It seats up to 12, and it’s open now… or, you know, as soon as it stops raining. Another view at Biba’s little oasis after the jump.

Biba, 3131 Walnut St. 215-222-BIBA

Le Bec-Fin is also hosting wine and cheese events in the upcoming months, one on April 13th and one on May 11th. Both events start at 6PM as well a $35 ticket gets you wine and cheese pairings, from Di Bruno Bros. Cheeses.

Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut St.

Ranging from $5.99 to $39.99, the 40 different wines that the Pronto Wine Kiosk sells are all stored at optimal temperatures. The hours for the kiosk are as expected: ridiculous. In true PLCB fashion, the kiosk will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. (Because no one drinks wine on Sundays…)

According PLCB Chairman Patrick J. Stapleton, “Providing customer convenience is our number-one priority with this project but we needed to make sure we could provide that convenience while also ensuring safety…We took the time necessary to test the kiosks to make sure they met our stringent sales standards.” Is it convent to buy wine at the grocery store? Yes. Are these kiosks efficiently and conveniently helping you do so? Maybe.

The kiosk works like this:

- First you insert your photo ID into the kiosk.

- You then wait while the photo from you ID is matched with the video image they are taking of you at the kiosk. “A Liquor Control Board employee monitors each transaction from a remote location and confirms that the video of the purchaser matches the person’s ID”

- Then the fun part. You have to take a breathalyzer. This (is supposed to) happen without coming into contact with the kiosk itself, but no word on how that actually happens. If your blood alcohol level is above a .02, the machine will transform into Optimus Prime and crush you, or rather, it will simply not sell you wine.

Our first concern is that if the PLCB employee who is spying monitoring you via video is anything like a member of, well, the PLCB, you can imagine how that will work out. We are also worried that we are going to walk into grocery stores, only to find people licking the kiosk’s no-contact breathalyzers. We like our wine saliva free. Let’s keep it that way.

Do you like to drink and write? Either independently or simultaneously? If yes, then you should pay attention to the this. Zane Lamprey, comedian (as well as actor, editor, producer, and writer), is launching a new on-line magazine dedicated to the education (and enjoyment) of adult libations. He is recruiting writers willing to write about beer, wine, and spirits. For each article written, you will receive full credit as well as a link back to your own personal blog (though it is not necessary to have your own blog). The opportunity is open to all who like to write. If this sounds like cup of tea (or mug of beer), and you are interested in contributing, contact Karen@zanelamprey.com. Or, you could just write for us.

Exactly our point.

So for all of you who know you would enjoy such a thing, Mémé is hosting a series of affordable wine dinners. Chef David Katz prides himself on finding drinkable, world-class wines that are also affordable to serve at Mémé. And on the second Monday of October, November and December Katz will be hosting a four course meal and wine pairings for $55. The menu will include wines from various regions of the globe and will be matched with the incredible flavors of Mémé’s cuisine. On October 11th, the food and wine will celebrate the tastes of Tuscany. November 8th will feature Oregon, and lastly December 13th will spotlight wines from the Rhône Valley.

It will be like a trip around the world in your mouth!

Mémé, 2201 Spruce St. Philadelphia (215)735-4900

Listen up Winos! The 14th annual Vendemmia Festival will be held on Sunday, September 26 in Vendemmia Square (20th St. and Pattison Ave.) from 2-6 pm. The entire festival is dedicated to the art of home winemaking and the afternoon will consist of wine sampling, delicious Italian delicacies, and live music. New to the festival this year is a homemade biscotti contest judged by a team from Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, NJ (a.k.a. the bakery from TLC’s Cake Boss). Festival-goers will receive a commemorative wine glass (included in your admission price!) to sample wines for the afternoon. All proceeds from the Festival will go towards the Vendemmia Foundation‘s annual scholarships for deserving students from the South Philadelphia community entering high school and college. Individual tickets are $40 in advance and $50 the day of the festival. You can also reserve a table for ten for $400 in advance. All tickets are available at the Vendemmia Foundation office (1841 S. Broad St. in Philadelphia) or by contacting Theresa McMichen at (215) 551-3859 or tessmyer@aol.com.