As ever, the arrival of Beaujolais nouveau is being celebrated at a number of jolly events throughout SoCal, all of which go down after the legally mandated time when the new vintage can be consumed (midnight on the third Thursday of November). Only the French would codify the drinking of wine into law.

On November 18, San Pedro pub The Whale & Ale will be expecting its first shipment of Beaujolais nouveau to arrive at LAX around 11 AM. Later that day the wine will be ready to serve as part of a four-courser that includes housemade country pâté with a shot of black truffle–infused vodka; poached Chilean sea bass; braised short ribs with an onion tart and berries with mascarpone for dessert (served all evening; $47.85 per person; 310-832-0363).

The same day, restaurateur Thierry Perez will celebrate the opening of L’Epicerie Market in Culver City with shouts of “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrive.” Glasses of fresh Château de Grandmont Beaujolais will be available, as well as tastes of a multitude of Gallic treats priced at $4 each – chicken confit, tortilla Española, pickled vegetables, sardine escabeche, French cheeses and charcuterie (4–9 PM; 9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 310-815-1600).

On November 19, enjoy a tasting of freshly arrived Beaujolais at The Beverly Hills Country Club (which is neither in Beverly Hills, nor a country club – it’s a tennis club), where $42 in advance ($55 at the door) buys you a glass of the wine;  platters of “French delicacies,” dessert and live entertainment from 7 PM–midnight (3084 Motor Ave.; 323-656-6083; click here for more details).

Lastly, come November 20, a collaboration between Morry’s Wines and Harbor Breeze tours means a floating wine tasting (including gourmet pralines and chocolate turtles from Gramma Betty’s). For those in need of a more substantial repast, Parker’s Lighthouse offers a 20% discount for dining before or after. Go to reservations@morrys.com to book your place aboard (6–7:30 PM; 100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2, Long Beach; 949-945-7083; click here for more information).