LOCAL TASTINGS WORLD MARKET WINE TASTING: Each store will offer a variety of wines. 3-6 p.m. Fri. Free. World Market, 11240 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 8268 Tamarack Village, Woodbury; 2401 N. Fairview Av., Roseville; 4250 W. 78th St., Bloomington; 12209 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove. HASKELL'S WINE CLASSES: Red and White Blends, 1 p.m. Sat. Free. Bordeaux Petite Chateau, 1 p.m. Sept. 13. Free. 5155 W. 98th St., Bloomington. 952-893-5440. Octoberfest celebration. Noon-5 p.m., Sept. 13. Free. 1219 Gun Club Rd., White Bear Lake, 651-426-0022. www.haskells.com SURDYK'S WINE CLASSES: Wines of Spain and Portugal, Tue. $40, Elsie's Restaurant, Lounge and Bar, 729 NE. Marshall St., Mpls. Sake and Sushi: An Introduction, Sept. 15, $50. Sake and Sushi: Advanced, Sept. 16, $50. All classes 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Reservations required. 612-379-3232. www.surdyks.com. ZIPP'S TASTINGS: Sip wine, beer and spirits at your leisure. 6-9 p.m. next Thu. Free. Sample and learn about new and Oktoberfest fall beers. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 16. $10. Zipp's Liquors, 2618 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. 612-333-8686. www.zippsliquors.com.
RHEINFEST: A three-hour wine cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the Betsey Northrup riverboat barge. Features fine dining, dancing and wine from local vineyards. Sept. 12. $50. Reservations required. Sponsored by the German-American Heritage Foundation. Boarding starts at 6:30 p.m. Boat departs from Harriet Island at 7 p.m. 651-489-9623. www.rheinfest.org.
ABCs of WINE TASTING: Get tips for tasting and buying California red and white wines. Sponsored by the World of Wine. 7-9 p.m. Sept. 16. $25. Reservations required. E-mail: member@worldofwine mg.com. Rush Creek Golf Course, 7801 N. Troy Lane, Maple Grove. 612-387-6032. www.worldofwinemg.com.
