Swirl Wine Bar, which has gained a solid reputation for serving excellent varieties of grapes and spirits (and then some), will throw what promises to be an authentique champagne party on Thursday. The Castro wine bar's Champagne Holiday Party will feature esteemed Veuve Clicquot. Yes, real-life, actual champagne, folks. They've promised "no Loire Sparklers, no Prosecco, no Cava, and not a California wine in sight." Just real champagne made in France -- and the good stuff, to boot.

Thirsty attendees will get the chance to taste the Veuve Clicquot line -- from the rare vintage to the "half drys" -- including Ponsardin "Yellow Label" Brut, Rosé, Gold Label Vintage 2002, 'La Grande Dame' 1998, and the Demi Sec.

What's more, you can smoke a boatload of cigarettes in the back patio. You know, to make you feel as if you're actually in France.

What: Swirl's Champagne Holiday Party featuring Veuve Clicquot
Where: [warning: autoplay], 572 Castro (at 19th Street)
Date: Thursday, December 16
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Admission: $20.00 with RSVP - $25.00 at door if available