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.
LIBERTY VILLAGE FALL COLOR AND WINE DINNER CRUISE: Take in the scenic beauty of the St. Croix River Valley and enjoy a gourmet dinner and more than 60 wines aboard the Grand Duchess. Boarding at 6 p.m., cruise 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 3 $59.95. Reservations required. Call Liberty Village, 651-439-3022, or Afton House Inn, 651-436-8883, 3291 S. St. Croix Trail, Afton. www.aftonhouseinn.com.
TASTE! 2008: Wine and dine with chefs Tom Colicchio, host of "Top Chef," Andrew Zimmern, host of "Bizarre Foods," sommelier Doug Frost and artist Salvatore Principe. 6-11 p.m. Oct. 3, $100-$125, a benefit for the local American Red Cross; noon-6 p.m. Oct. 4, $75-$135. W Minneapolis-The Foshay, 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls. 612-336-9296. www.mspmag.com/taste.
CHEF'S WINE DINNER: Chef Christian Ticarro hosts a five-course meal paired with five wines. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9. $65. Reservations required. Canyon Grille, 3490 Northdale Blvd., Coon Rapids. 763-323-9100. www.canyongrille.com.
