Like the latest episode of a favorite soap, we wait for the first Tuesday and Thursday of each month, for our fix of affordable, snack-laden, unpretentious after-work wine tastings.

On Tuesday, Oct 5, The Barbican will host an Argentinian wine tasting on the second floor of its restaurant space on Soi Thaniya. B300 (B100 for members) will get you tastings and picking rights to platters and platters of their generous and varied treats. 6:30-8pm.

Then, on Thursday, Oct 7, Reflexions will showcase the wines of the Marques de Riscal estate, one of the oldest winemakers in Rioja, Spain. B500 for tastings and hors d'oeuvres--though to really get your money's worth, you should really arrive on the dot as the best wines and snacks tend to go fast. Oh, and bring lots of business cards as the crowd here tends to be a bit of a who's who. And even if that's not your thing, no one's going to judge you for getting drunk in a corner.

Both events provide tasting notes so amateurs can practice their skills.