At Oscar time each year, wine country volunteers team up to host festive local Academy Awards parties designed to raise funds for AIDS awareness, prevention and treatment.

There are two parties that coincide with the Oscars, scheduled this year to be handed out on March 5, with the ABC-TV telecast starting at 5 p.m.

The informal gathering -- known at the black T-shirt party -- will be held this year in the historic Barrel Room of Vintage 1870 at Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville. It is a benefit for HIV outreach and prevention programs of the Napa/Solano Health Project.

A more formal affair, the traditional black tie dinner produced by Napa designer Michael Holmes will take place in the Barrel Room of the Culinary Institute of America Greystone in St. Helena.

A country/western theme is planned for the informal fundraiser at Vintage 1870, with prizes awarded for best dressed attendees. This event takes place from 5 p.m. to midnight and features the big screen Oscars simulcast, followed by dancing to contemporary disco hits provided by Napa's favorite deejay, Rotten Robbie.

All manner of finger foods will be provided by more than two dozen wine country restaurants and caterers. A no-host bar will be stocked with wines from a number of Napa Valley producers, as well as beer and soft drinks. A specialty drinks bar is also planned.

The sponsoring organization, North Bay Unity League, promises "spectacular silent auction items." Co-sponsors for the party are La Bella Party Rentals and Villagio Inn & Spa.

Guests attending the black tie party at CIA Greystone can expect to be entertained in a vividly appointed supper club, says Holmes, who is sharing producing duties with Helen Patterson.

Guests will arrive at 4 p.m. for a cocktails and hors d'oeuvres reception, followed by dinner and dancing to the music of Bill Ramirez of Palm Springs. A silent auction is also part of this affair.

The four course meal is under the direction of the culinary team at CIA Greystone, with assists coming from Wine Valley Catering's Peter McCaffrey and Fume Bistro's Terry Letson.

The black tie Oscar party is limited to 250 guests. Tables of 10 can be reserved, according to Holmes. Tickets are $175 each and can be ordered by calling 226-3655. This event benefits HIV clients of Queen of the Valley's Care Network.

Tickets for the country/western Oscars hoe-down at Vintage 1870 are $25. They can be ordered by calling the Napa/Solano Health Project at 258-2437 or picked up at Antiques on Second, at the corner of Second and Franklin streets.