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Lots of wine events this weekend to set the tone for an upcoming holiday.

Rioja! (1603 Battleground Ave.; 288-2002) in Greensboro will be sampling six wines from Napa Valley from 6 p.m. until tonight. The tasting is free. Purchase a bottle and stick around for $5 tapas.

Just up the street at Wine Warehouse (2310 Battleground Ave.; 288-2002), Natali Meetze of Grapevine Distributors will be sharing some great Pinots for Thanksgiving pairings from 4 to 8 p.m. Cost for the tasting is $5. An additional tasting ($5) will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Vino Shoppe (3800 Tinsley Drive; 885-0081) in High Point is having a customer appreciation weekend with a free wine tasting from 5 to 8 p.m. today and again from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday lots of selections. There will also be some food to nibble on and lots of deals. Be sure to enter the drawing for a free bottle of wine.

Sample Belgian-style ales from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at The Brewer's Kettle (2505 N. Main St., Suite 101; 885-0099) in High Point.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, taste some new selections at WineStyles (3326 W. Friendly Ave., Suite 141; 299-4505) in Greensboro. Stick around for music by Joshua West from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., the merchants at Forest Oaks Commons (5315 Liberty Road) just south of Greensboro will throw a party with a holiday market and outdoor fire (weather permitting).  Angelia's Pizza (Suite A; 674-0060) at will be sampling some wines or grab a cup of java from Beans and Creme (Suite F; 674-4008).

And Zimmerman Vineyards (1428 Tabernacle Church Road; 861-1414) in Trinity will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tastings are $5.