Forget New Year's Eve and all the hype. The most exciting celebratory event I've heard about so far happens a few weeks sooner - but it's not too soon to book now. On Saturday, November 20th Octavius Fine Wines of Sligo will hold its fifth black tie gourmet dinner in Markree Castle, preceded by a champagne reception and a tutored tasting of wines from top Burgundy estates Domaine Leflaive (Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles 1993, 1996, 1997) and Domaine de la RomaneeConti (Echezeaux 1990, Grands Echezeaux 1991 and La Tache 1991). Adam Brett Smith and Clare Burke of Corney & Barrow are the tutors, and there will be DRC Romanee St Vivant 1988 to savour with the main course. Dancing, too! £120 per ticket, places limited to 50. Contact Octavius at 23 Grattan Street, Sligo. Tel: 071-71730. Fax: 071-70483. Email: octavius@hotmail.ie