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South Sound's food scene may not be as big as San Francisco's or New York's, but it isn't bad. In fact, it's the perfect match between intimacy and variety. And its size provides plenty of opportunities to get close not just to our restaurants, but to the specialty food shops. 

NW Epicurean is a new company set up to help you do just that. Established last year by Marieke Gerritsen in Olympia, NW Epicurean offers four- to six-hour guided tours highlighting artisan, agricultural and culinary culture in the South Sound area. The company focuses on local and sustainable food systems, giving an up close and personal look at micro-organic farms, urban agriculture, goat and cow creameries, local breweries and boutique wineries.

Here is their February docket:

• Aphrodisiac Tour, Feb. 13: Sample fresh Puget Sound oysters and tour Taylor Shellfish Farms, then enjoy a seafood buffet paired with award-winning wines at Xinh's famous seafood restaurant in Shelton. Next go wine tasting and sample Blissful Wunders' artisan chocolate at Walter Dacon Winery.
• Tacoma Brewery Tour, Feb. 20: Visit three micro-breweries - Seven Seas in Gig Harbor, Harmon Brewery and Engine House #9 Brewery. Sample 25 microbrews and talk with local brew masters on this educational tour. Specialty appetizers selected by brew masters are paired to each tasting.
• Beer and Oysters In the South Sound, Feb. 27: Learn about crafting of local beer and sample 12 different beers on tap, plus three hard ciders at Fish Brewing in Olympia. Then visit Grove Street Brewhouse in Shelton to sample seven varieties of fresh artisan beer paired with fresh raw oysters raised by Shelton's Taylor Shellfish Farms. Enjoy house-made clam chowder in a warm bread bowl.

The tours include bus transportation and tastings/meals; they are limited to 22 adults. For details and prices, visit http://nwepicurean.com.