Singles Events in San Diego: Dating Outside the Box

A Grape Start

    Are fine wines your cup of tea? Meet like-minded port-mates at The Wine Encounter’s popular singles night tastings. For fifty dollars, you can enjoy a long evening in the company of other connoisseurs, or people who simply love to learn from wine professionals sans the snobbery. As an added bonus, you’ll be taught "to use words that describe the wines you taste in a way that will have the opposite sex begging for more!"

    After class, singles are free to mix and mingle over glasses of their top choice and a variety of treats. Info can be found at www.thewineencounter.com.

    Having trouble meeting a match whose ambition and intellect rival yours? Every Friday night, San Diego law schools such as USD, Cal Western, Thomas Jefferson meet up with professional students at UCSD, USD, SDSU, and Alliant International, along with the Young Professionals, at a different downtown venue for an event meant to stimulate the mind as well as the heart. Past professionals parties have invaded Stingaree, On Broadway, Belo, Excelsior, Red Circle, and Faces, among others.

    Each night so far has been well-attended, and all clubs offer drink and door discounts to attendees. Where else can you discuss torts, troves and tribunals over a beer without clearing the bar? Visit www.sdsocialmixers.com for more information.

    What about speed dating? Sure, you saw Steve Carell suffer through it in your favorite comedy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but in truth, it’s great fun. How big a fool can you make of yourself in five minutes, after all? "HurryDate" San Diego parties are held at great downtown spots like Galileo 101 and Visions Restaurant and Lounge. In one enthusiastic evening, you’ll zip through about fifteen five-minute dates with singles in your age group. After each, you decide whether you’re interested by circling yes or no on a scorecard.

    At the end of the night, head home to enter who you liked in a secret online system, which will match you up with those who were also interested in you. Check out www.hurrydate.com to reserve a spot at an upcoming speed dating party.

    Are you a dancer without a date? Whatever your step, there’s an event dedicated to finding you a partner. The San Diego Swing Dancers Club, at www.sandiegoswingdance.com, holds dances every Sunday which welcome singles with open arms. Weekly classes are also offered for swingers who need to brush up.

    If you prefer natural spice, attend Salsa Central every Tuesday at 9pm, held at the Mission Valley Resort Hotel. Fiery fliers can be viewed at www.sdsinglesparties.com for this event and others. The cowpokes out there will love the San Diego Square Dance Association’s Third Saturday Roundup, a heel-kickin’ good time at the Balboa Park Club. Read all about it at www.sdsda.org