February. Shortest month of the year but 2012 brings us an extra day of cheer. Another day to work or play or indulge in wine, spirits and beer. Raise a glass as winter will soon pass and plenty of holidays to make the most of a 29 day toast.

Feb 2 Wear Red Day - Concannon Crimson & Clover, California-You can't beat the lush bold petite syrah with a hit of cabernet and zinfandel in this full bodied dry red. Gorgeous bottle, long lingering finish and affordable price makes it a wine for every day of the month.

Feb 2 Groundhog's Day - Alente Rose, Portugal-Pink wine that isn't sweet. Pink wine that can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temp. Don't wait for the sun to shine to enjoy this food friendly wine under $10.

Feb 5 Super Bowl - New York makes great wine especially riesling. Not much is shipped from there to here but sometimes you can find a bottle or two at a local wine shop. Game day is a Sunday and Indiana wineries and microbrews are allowed to sell their wares for takeout after noon on Sunday so perhaps a bottle or growler from a local producer. www.indianawines.org

Feb 9 Tu Bishvat - In the 16th century, the kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed and his disciples instituted a Tu Bishvat seder in which the fruits and trees of the Land of Israel were given symbolic meaning. Celebrate a tree fruit infused craft spirit with High West Peach Vodka from Utah.

Feb 12 Lincolns Birthday - Emancipate your tastebuds. Don't be a slave to oaky Chardonnay. Enjoy Le Drunk Rooster from France. Crisp, dry white with lovely hints of granny smith apple and no oak!. C'est bon!

Feb 14 Valentines Day - Colby Red, California-Colby Groom underwent 2 open heart surgeries before his 10th birthday. He is a healthy teen today but to give thanks he and his winemaker dad created this red blend. A heart on the label and proceeds from sales benefitting heart research make this the perfect wine to drink for the cause

Feb 14 International Condom Day - Friends Red from California is fun, fresh, dry red blend with a charming label. Screw cap for easy open and close so no excuses for breaking the mood.

Feb 20 Presidents Day - You have to have courage, spirit and class to lead this country. Kind of like Indiana's own Backbone Bourbon distilled in Lawrenceburg. No caucus needed to know that this straight cut whiskey is a winner.

Feb 21 Mardi Gras - A craft spirit spin on one of NOLA's most popular drinks: Hum Hurricane. "Hum" is a new craft spirit made from rum and infused with botanicals, keffir lime and coriander. Amazing!!

Feb 22 Ash Wednesday - Ask for forgiveness AFTER you enjoy a glass of Santa Clara Rompope-rich, creamy, Mexican liqueur that comes in vanilla or pecan.

Feb 22 Washington Birthday - We can not tell a lie. Indiana's own Prohibition Gin makes a sensational companion with Q tonic.

Feb 26 Academy Awards - Bubbles to imbibe while watching the winners and losers. Any sparkling from Gloria Ferrer Winery and Vineyards in California will have you seeing stars all night.

Feb 29 Leap Year Day - This is your chance to open that bottle of wine you've been "saving for a special occasion" or to buy one and MAKE it a special occasion. Can't decide on white or red? Perhaps one of each from California's Amber Hill Secret Blend or Spain's Beso de Vino.