Event in NYC Nov. 5

Around the World in 80 Sips features more than 80 wines from five continents.

While we are by no means an expert, we love hearing connoisseurs talk about wine almost as much as we love tasting different regional wines. Conversations about varietals, winemaking, vineyards, wine history — and, of course, taste — are savored and enjoyed like, well, a fine wine. So we're looking forward to Around the World in 80 Sips, being held Nov. 5 in the Altman Building in New York City. It is the signature event of Bottlenotes, a one-stop destination for wine enthusiasts that we told you about last year, and features more than 80 wines from five continents, as well as cheese, charcuterie and other tastes. And VIVmag readers can get $25 off tickets to the second annual event.

Simply enter the following promotion code for $25 off the $75 advance ticket price: VIV25. (Admission is $95 at the door.) General admission is from 7 to 9 pm, but $125 VIP tickets include early admission at 6 pm, with a special Jaillance French sparkling wine tasting and an Armani/Dolci chocolate tasting. (The code allows for only one discount per shopping cart, so if you are buying a pair of tickets, it's best to do so separately for a discount on each ticket.)

Wine tasting stations are organized by continent, and regions include France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Lebanon, Israel and California. "It is a fun, relaxed atmosphere where people can talk to the winemakers and representatives and learn about their wines and regions," says Kimberly Donaldson, co-founder of Bottlenotes. Visitors also will have the chance to try Rick's Picks artisanal pickles, Artisanal Premium Cheese, Salumeria Rosi charcuterie and Cascal, a sparkling beverage. More 80 Sips events are planned for 2011 in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami and Denver, as well as New York.

Those who want to keep track of newfound knowledge can purchase the Bottlenotes app ($1.99) for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

How do you discover and discuss wine?