Sparkling Wine Wednesday, Carnitas' Tap Takover; In-Flight Local Beer

EMBARCADERO— On Wednesday, December 17, Marina Kitchen closes out the 2014 series of their Wine Wednesday event, a tasting and education seminar with resident sommelier, the award-winning Joshua Orr. Held from 6 to 7 p.m. in the restaurant's wine cellar, this limited capacity event features tastes of six sparking wines plus other light refreshments for $20; attendees will also receive $10 off towards dinner in Marina Kitchen, which needs to be redeemed the evening of the class, and 50 percent off a bottle of wine valued at $50 or less. [EaterWire]

CARMEL VALLEY— North County's Carnitas’ Snack Shack has a holiday #SDBEERNIGHT scheduled for Friday, December 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. that will feature New English Brewing, who will take over the pork store's taps with their British-inspired brews, including a bourbon barrel-aged version of their Brewer's Special Brown Ale and the Zumbar Chocolate Coffee Imperial Stout made in collaboration with a local roaster. The brewery crew, including owner/head brewer Simon Lacey, will be on hand to mingle and answer questions. [EaterWire]

IN THE SKY— Delta Airlines recently announced that the company now serving Ballast Point and Stone beer on select flights and now we're hearing that San Diego's Saint Archer Brewing Company is taking flight on Alaska Airlines; the brewery's White Ale is currently complimentary on regional flights from San Diego to certain cities. [EaterWire]