WINE AND FOOD are meant to go together. The following restaurants take things to the next level by offering special wine-tasting events and menus, a changing list of wine lights and small plates of food that complement what you're drinking.

Arcadia Located in San Jose's Marriott hotel, Arcadia (owned by restaurant impresario Michael Mina) has a comfortable lounge and a beautiful bar with a good selection of wines by the glass and small plates menu to match. 110 W. San Carlos St, San Jose. 408.278.4555.

Cafe Niebaum-Coppola In addition to film, Francis Ford Coppola also makes wine. This wine bar and restaurant features his wines and others from around the world. 473 University Ave, Palo Alto. 650.752.0350.

La Pastaia Set in a nook near the front of the restaurant, La Pastaia's wine bar offers a small plates menu to match its Italian-centric wine list. 233 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.286.8686.

Lavanda Restaurant and Wine Bar Great food and a superb wine list. 185 University Ave, Palo Alto. 650.321.3514.

Vino Locale This restaurant focuses on locally produced Santa Cruz Mountain wines and small plates of food sourced from local purveyors and growers. On Thursdays, if you can guess all the varietals in your flight of wine, it's free. 431 Kipling St, Palo Alto. 650.328.0450.

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