Wine Expo offers cheap, romantic night out

It's not too late to book those plans for Valentine's Day weekend, especially if you're looking for a night that will cost $40 per couple.

The Great American Cooking Expo is hosting "Wines of the World" Friday night in Rolling Meadows. The event will feature more than 50 wines from around the world including Argentina, Australia, Germany Italy, South Africa and Spain. There will also be some beers to sample.

There will be a wide assortment of appetizers to taste as well, including beef and turkey carving stations, imported cheeses, pasta salads and more.

"It's a nice alternative for couples or groups of people looking for an inexpensive night out," said Laura Murphy, owner of Wine Styles, 742 E. Dundee Road in Palatine. Murphy's store is one of the event's sponsors.

On Friday, wine experts will talk about this year's most popular wines and also explain how to properly taste wine, Murphy said.

"The majority of the wines cost about $15," she said. "Some will be under $10 and a few are more than $30. We tried to pick wines that were really good but not too expensive."

People will either be able to purchase wines at the event or order them for delivery, Murphy said.

So far more than 160 people have bought tickets, although Murphy said she expects to sell another 200 tickets before Friday night.

For more information or to buy tickets, go to thefoodwineexpo.com.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Parking is free and you must be 21 years old to attend.