When Oktoberfest is a distant memory and al fresco summer sipping parties are still far out of reach, the 18th annual Boston Wine Expo at the Seaport World Trade Center (One Seaport Lane, Boston) might be just what you need to pull yourself out of your winter doldrums. Swirl and sip your way through the nearly 1800 wine offerings from 450 producers while culinary visionaries — including Ming Tsai, Christina Pirello, and Charles Draghi — offer cooking demos on two stages. Kicking off the Expo is a 7 p.m. Friday-night soiree, Jazzed About Wine, in the Seaport Hotel’s Plaza Ballroom featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, and various reds from around the world. Tickets to the opening party ($195 before January 16; $215 thereafter) and the two-day expo ($75 to $215) are available at www.wineexpoboston.com and 877.946.3976.
