wine

Grape Expectations flavors Friday, Nov. 13, as the annual fall fundraiser for the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. It unfolds from 7 to 10 p.m. at Fox Valley University and Business Center on the campus of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
 
About 30 red and white wines will be offered for tasting from WineStyles in Lake in the Hills, along with homemade and hand-dipped chocolates from Graham’s Chocolates of Geneva. The chocolate tasting was a new addition last year. The event also features appetizers; silent auction; cash raffle; and musical performances by EYSO ensembles. Silent auction items include sports memorabilia, gift baskets and special events.

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Brookfield Zoo by indulging in wine at the Wines in the Wild fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

The 9th annual event, hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, is themed “Cheers to 75 Years” in recognition of the zoo’s special milestone and its magnificent animals that have inspired millions of visitors to develop an appreciation for the natural world.

Several downtown La Grange businesses will open their doors as hosts to the seventh annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, to benefit the children of Child Link. Guests will be treated to hors’ d’oeuvres and desserts, and, of course, Beaujolais Nouveau, as well as other wines, as they mingle at each business.
 
Malia Arnett of La Grange, CEO of Child Link, says, “This event is a perfect way to celebrate with friends before we become busy with the holidays and hibernate for the winter. It’s sort of like a Mardi Gras with lots of well wishers enjoying an evening out together in downtown La Grange.”

A variety of beautiful art will be on exhibit as part of Itasca's inaugural "Benches on Parade" Art & Wine Festival this weekend.

The free, juried festival will be held from Friday through Sunday in Usher Park and will include the talents of a sidewalk chalk artist. Festival hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Two DuPage County restaurants are offering wining and dining opportunities on Aug. 19.