I just made an expensive mistake. I went grocery shopping on an empty stomach. By the time I made it to the end of the cereal aisle, I had five boxes in my shopping cart. My brain knew I didn't need a month's worth of cereal but my grumbling stomach assumed the duties of commander-in-chief.

Let's say, my stomach was anticipating a chocolate craving when I got home. Then again, maybe something with grains and nut cluster or a really colorful brand with marshmallows. And just to be safe, how about a brand high in fiber?

As I was heading toward the candy aisle (stocking up for emergency hurricane rations), I saw the wine selection. If I were a wine drinker, I'd feel like a vino victim. You can get a bottle of a decent wine for what you'll pay for just a glass at many bars -- you've experienced the huge markups, I'm sure.

But being thrifty won't help your social life. You'll probably have a better shot of meeting someone -- who maybe shares your wine interest -- at one of these nightspots than in the grocery store aisle.

At The 33rd Street Wine Bar in Fort Lauderdale (3337 NE 33rd St.), choose from more than 500 bottles that hail from Chile, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and New Jersey (actually, California but I wanted to see if you were paying attention).

Most of the extensive collection is available by the glass from $7 to $25. The 33rd Street Wine Bar only serves its wine in Riedel stemware. Singer/songwriter John Melnick plays keyboards every Wednesday night and wine classes are held weekly. Don't miss the Bordeaux Mix class at 7 p.m. Friday. It costs $30 per person; RSVP at 954-566-2111 or www.33rdStreetWineBar.com.

Posh Lounge opened in the lobby of the Waverly Building in Fort Lauderdale (110 N. Federal Hwy.) nearly four years ago and is newly renovated. The decor is certainly posh and exudes exclusivity, but staff and regulars are warm and welcoming.

At one time, Posh's wine list was almost as long as Tolstoy's War and Peace, but it has been reduced to 50 favorites. Enjoy a glass of wine while partaking in 26 hookah flavors as the DJ spins until 3 a.m. on weekends.

At WineStyles in Coral Springs (1267 N. University Dr.), connoisseurs as well as novices like me blend in beautifully. The shop carries bottles from boutique wineries that you'll read about in Wine Spectator. Since I only subscribe to Rolling Stone, WineStyles is helpful to me because the wide-ranging selection is divided by taste and not by fancy French words. Let the grape gurus here know what you're in the mood for and they'll quickly cater to your palate.

Wine tastings are 7 p.m. every Friday. Sample featured wines and munch on hors d'ouevres for $10 per person. Local music legends Where's George? plays here at 8 p.m. Saturday.

The scene in the Riverwalk area feels like a huge college night but I still fit in at Himmarshee Bar & Grille in Fort Lauderdale (210 SW Second St.) The place has a slick, South Beach vibe so you'll feel out of place wearing cargo shorts and a T-shirt (note to self: next time, don't wear cargo shorts and T-shirt).

The wine list is worth a rave, but you'll also find an impressive selection of specialty martinis and cocktails -- like the Partida Margarita Martini (concocted with Partida Reposado tequila, agave nectar and fresh lime) or The Himmarshee Mojito (mixed with 10 Cane rum, fresh lime, mint and strawberry).

I wasn't in the mood for alcohol so I just ordered a Diet Coke which, by the way, was twice as expensive as a two-liter bottle in the grocery store.

LOOKING AHEAD

• Start celebrating Brazil's Independence Day early -- the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino presents a Brazilian Fest at 6 p.m. Saturday (Brazil's Independence Day is Sunday). The complex is at 1 Seminole Way, off U.S. 441 north of Stirling Road, near Hollywood. Tickets are $45, $35 and $25 (additional fees may apply), available at the Hard Rock Live box office or through Ticketmaster.

• Panic Disorder is having its album release party at 11 p.m. Saturday at Original Fat Cats, 320 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale. No cover.

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