Scottish whisky and wine events in 2014

A number of events showcasing the finest alcoholic drinks from Scotland and beyond will be held across the country in 2014.

WHISKY

BURNS NIGHT SPECIAL

A night of celebration in two different venues, both including three courses and plenty of drams at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Leith and in Queen Street, Edinburgh, 24 January, 7pm, £39 for non-members, 0131-555 2929.

SIX NATIONS

Compare grappa to Cognac, gin and Scotch, plus set Irish whiskies against what the Welsh produce with an expert to guide you on the eve of the Calcutta Cup, 7 February at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Queen Street, Edinburgh, £39 for non-members, 0131-555 2929.

WHISKY & SEAFOOD

It might sound like a strange combination, but it works. Find out how to team up scallops and Speyside with WoodWinters in Bridge of Allan on 21 March, £25, 01786 834894.

VALENTINE CHOCOLATE & WHISKY

You can find love in the most unusual places. Try the atmospheric vaults of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Leith on 14 February for an indulgent, romantic evening, matching chocolate and single malts, £42 for non-members, 0131-555 2929.

WHISKY TRAINING

Year round whisky courses with participants receiving a ‘certificate of expertise’ are on offer at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Edinburgh, £150, 0131-220 0441.

WINE

FIZZ & CHIPS

Back by popular demand: a match made in heaven with Champagne ‘n’ Chips at Allanwater Café in Bridge of Allan on 7 February, £28, 01786 834894.

AMARONE

Learn about the secret behind this famous dried grape wine. Sample Recioto, Ripasso and Amarone from the top producers in the Veneto, 18 February, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, £40, 01334 870731.

PINOT NOIR DINNER

A real treat for the pinot noir lover - sample eight wines from across the world matched against four Michelin-starred courses prepared by The Peat Inn’s chef/proprietor Geoffrey Smeddle and enjoy the special accommodation offer in one of their luxury suites on 21 March at The Peat Inn, Fife, £90pp dinner, 01334 870731.

MEET THE PROFESSOR

Your chance to meet a real Professor of Cheese from Italy. Professor Giancarlo Russo from Rome University, who contributes to the Slow Wine Guide, will be in town to celebrate Valvona & Crolla’s 80th anniversary from 26-28 March with wine and cheese sessions at 19 Elm Row, Edinburgh, POA, 0131-556 6066, www.valvonacrolla.co.uk

TASTE OF SCOTLAND

Taste the best Scottish foods matched alongside a selection of wines from around the world. Smoked salmon, venison charcuterie, game terrine, cheeses and breads will be paired with 13 wines, 11 July at 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, £40, 01334 870731, www.rosemurraybrown.com

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Bottled Beer Festival, Café Camino, Little King Street, Edinburgh, 26 April, £10, www.greatgrog.com

Spirit of Speyside Festival, Speyside, 1-5 May, www.spiritofspeyside.com

Islay Festival, Islay, May, www.theislayfestival.co.uk

Grog Spring Festival, Merchants Hall, Edinburgh, 23 May, £16, www.greatgrog.com

The Whisky Fringe, Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh, 8-10 August, £25, 0131-524 9380, www.royalmilewhiskies.com or www.whiskyfringe.com

Foodies Festival, Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, 8-10 August, www.foodiesfestival.com

Wine Gang Show, The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, 29 November, £20, (earlybird £10), www.wineganglive.com