LOCAL TASTINGS

ZIPP'S WINE TASTING: Barolo, Barbaresco and other wines of Piedmont. 6:30-8:30 p.m. next Thu. $20. Zipp's Liquors, 2618 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. 612-333-8686.

CALIFORNIA WINE DINNER: Feast on a seven-course dinner prepared by chef Matthew Fogarty paired with Kenefick Ranch wines. Next Thu. 6:30 p.m. $125. Reservations required. Napa Valley Grille, Mall of America, Bloomington. 952-858-9934.

BEER AND CHEESE PAIRING: Ken Liss and Josh Pepper offer tips for pairing beer and cheese. The menu includes Cheddar cheese with an India pale ale, blue cheese with barleywine, Muenster cheese with Belgian dark ale and Gruyere cheese with Stout. 6-9 p.m. March 7. $65. Reservations required. Cooks of Crocus Hill, 3925 W. 50th St., Edina. 952-285-1903. www.cooksof crocushill.com.

RIDGE WINE DINNER: Hosted by the Bacchus Wine Society. 6:30-9 p.m. March 11. $100-$115. Reservations due by March 8. Call Theresa, 612-342-2437, ext. 921. Via Cafe, 6740 France Av. S., Edina. www.haskells.com/bacchus.aspx. BIG TOP WINE CLUB TASTING: Featuring French wines. 7 p.m. March 12. $20. Lexington Restaurant, 1096 Grand Av., St. Paul. 651-644-4501.