The651.com

Whether your drink of choice is wine or tea, St. Paul has you covered this Saturday afternoon.

The serious tea drinker best put on her white gloves and head to the venerable St. Paul Hotel, whose high tea – served most Saturdays throughout the year – is the most authentic in the Twin Cities. Served in its elegant lobby, the five-course afternoon tea includes a wide array of loose-leaf teas, scones and pastries. For the connoisseur, the hotel also offers etiquette classes so you can learn how it’s done. (3-5 p.m. $27 per person. 350 Market St. RSVP required to 651-228-3860.)

Other St. Paul establishments that serve high tea:

· Lady Elegant’s Tea: Classical music and vintage china in a Victorian-English styled dining room. (2230 Carter Av., 651-645-6676.)
· Cedarhurst Mansion: 9 and 11-course afternoon teas served Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (6940 Keats Av. S., 651-769-8918.)
· Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park: Periodic afternoon themed teas. (1225 Estabrook Dr., 651-487-8240.)
· Café Latté: Afternoon tea served daily noon to 5 p.m. (850 Grand Av., 651-224-5687.)

Wine more up your alley? Then check out the Rosé Tent Tasting event today at W.A. Frost put on by St. Paul independent wine shop Solo Vino. The shop, which was named the Best Wine Store in the Twin Cities by City Pages this year, will be offering tastings of more than 100 wines from 10 different countries with a focus on what’s new and tried-and-true for summer, paired with food from W.A. Frost – known for its great patio. (2-5 p.m. $20. 374 Selby Av. RSVP to 651-602-9515.)

If you can’t make it to the event, we highly recommend you hit up the shop when you get a chance. The shop’s selection of wines, focused on Spanish and Portuguese varietals, is all handpicked by its knowledgeable staff of seven. Best of all, they’re always happy to help you pick out the perfect wine, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.