Byline: The Register-Guard

Winery raises money for cat-assistance group

The Stray Cat Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income people afford low-cost spaying and neutering for their pets, will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser at Sweet Cheeks Winery

The event features food, wine and a silent auction.

The auction includes donated items from Koho Bistro, Sweet Life Patisserie, Jerry's Home Improvement Center, Capella Market, Down to Earth and several local artists.

The fundraiser begins at 7 p.m. at the winery at 27007 Briggs Hill Road, southwest of Eugene.

Organizers request a $10 donation for admission. For information, call 554-8657.

Tastings

Friday

Eugene Wine Cellars - 2794 Shadow View Drive in Crescent Village. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Features 2005 pinot noir; 2006 pinot gris; riesling and more. Free tasting, glass pours $5 to $7, beer $3, soft drinks and water $1. Mezza Luna pizza also available. 342-2600.

Midtown Marketplace - 1591 Willamette St. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wines from Trinity Vineyards with winery owner Joe Dobbes. Free. 485-6242 or www.trinityvineyards.com.

saturday

Territorial Vineyards and Wine Co. - 907 W. Third Ave. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring Territorial's 2006 pinot gris. Free. 684-WINE.

Special Dinners

Thursday

Midtown Wines/Bel Ami Restaurant - 1591 Willamette St. 6:30 p.m. Menu crafted to suit the wines of Redhawk Winery near Salem, known for pinot noir, pinot gris, chardonnay, Grateful Red and small amounts of riesling and Dolcetto. Cost is $60 to $75, depending on final menu. 485-6242 or www.midtownmarketplace.com.

Classes

Today

Pepperberries - 2538 Willakenzie Road. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. "One More Thai," taught by Mary Minor Diehl, features hors d'oeuvres Miang Kam; pork salad Nam Sod; chicken curry Gaeng Keow Wan Gai; and Fresh Ginger Sorbet. $47.50. Register at 485-6922.

Thursday

Pepperberries - 2538 Willakenzie Road. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Tailgating Party" with Lynn Alvarez. Menu includes Tequila-Lime Shrimp Skewers; Grilled Green Bean Salad With Balsamic Roasted Red Onions, Feta Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Walnut Vinaigrette; Bread Rolls With Prosciutto, Provolone, Pesto and Pine Nuts; and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and Apricots. $65. Register at 485-6922.

Saturday

Cook's Pots & Tabletops - 2807 Oak St. Noon to 2:30 p.m. "Cheesemaking ... Whey Fun," with chef Keith Ellis teaching the fundamentals of making fresh cheeses, including mozzarella, ricotta and mascarpone. $45. 338-4339 or www.cookspots.com.

Monday

Pepperberries - 2538 Willakenzie Road. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. "Italian Dinner No. 1" with Andrea Loreto. Menu includes Crostini di Caprino e Noci; Pasta in Forno; Frittata di Copolle; and Affogato al Caff (espresso over ice cream). $65. Register at 485-6922.

Tuesday

Pepperberries - 2538 Willakenzie Road. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Quick Breakfast Breads," taught by Evie Taylor, features basic scones; Honolulu Grand Biscuits; and Oregon Blueberry Coffeecake. $40. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. "Extra-Easy Lasagna" with Karen Reid features lasagna with fresh pasta sheets, crumbled Italian sausage, three cheeses and freshly made tomato sauce, as well as Italian salad and oven-baked pears filled with almond paste. $47.50. Register for either class by calling 485-6922.

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Pepperberries - 2538 Willakenzie Road. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. "Dinner of Oregon Cheeses," taught by Kim Davaz, features Roasted Beet Salad With Candied Walnuts and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette; Salmon Chevre Tart; Macaroni and (Cheddar) Cheese; and Cheese and Herb Souffl. $47.50. Register at 485-6922.

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E-mail Entree Notes to randi.bjornstad@registerguard.com.