Umi in Shadyside closed for a summer vacation Wednesday. It will reopen Aug. 1.

On June 27, Alfano's at the Quail in Washington is holding a wine dinner. Approximately six courses will be paired with wine. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $85 per person plus tax and tip. Call 724-229-2777 for information.

On saturday, the Mattress Factory on the North Side is holding a benefit wine tasting to raise money for the YMCA's Strong Communities Campaign, which ensures that no one is denied YMCA services due to an inability to pay.

American Wine Society judge Paul Zanella will lead a blind tasting in which lower-cost "value wines" will go head-to-head against more expensive wines of the same type.

The event will include an auction, hors d'oeuvres made by Linda Iannotta, and performances by pianist Tom Roberts and clarinetist Suzanne Ortner. Guests also can take tours of the museum. The benefit begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $100 per person. For more information, call 412-322-9454 or e-mail ljanno1@earthlink.net.

-- China Millman, Post-Gazette restaurant critic