Wine events coming up

• Urban Sip at the uptown Ritz-Carlton has two big wine names coming to town in April. First, it hosts a Cakebread wine dinner April 12, with Dennis Cakebread speaking at the pre-dinner reception. Dinner from hotel chef Jon Farace (on the Urban Garden Bridge) will include 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the 2007 Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and more, with salmon tataki, seared crabcake, filet mignon and more. $125 (includes reception, dinner and autographed copy of Cakebread Cellars cookbook); 201 E. Trade St.; 704-547-2244.
• Then, George Riedel will be on hand for a reception and wine tasting April 19 using contemporary Riedel stemware. Among the wines to be tasted: 2009 Illahe Vineyards Riesling, 2008 Stewart Cellars Chardonnay, 2007 Fiddlehead Cellars Oldsville Reserve Pinot Noir, and 2007 Burly Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. $75 (including four glasses from the Riedel XL Collection and valet parking); 704-547-2244.

• The next Wine Vault dinner will be April 14 at Bonterra with Stewart Cellars, and winery owner James Stewart will be there to present the offerings. Among the courses: wild mushroom tortellini with 2007 Russian River Pinot Noir; a pre-order tasting of the 2006 Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon; seared duck breast with 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet; and more. 1829 Cleveland Ave.; $70; 704-548-9463.