PORTLAND

Honey Exchange teaches how to be a beekeeper

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to keep bees, here’s your chance. The Honey Exchange will be offering beginner and sophomore classes, starting in January.

The beginner classes will be held over five weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. They’ll be taught by master beekeeper Phil Gaven.

The sophomore class will be offered Wednesday evenings over five weeks, two hours per class, and will be taught by Geoff MacLean, owner of Red Brook Honey.

All classes will be held at 494 Stevens Ave. Class size is limited to 12. The cost is $100 per person, and includes all materials. Couples who share the textbook may attend for a reduced rate.

For information about class dates and times, go to honeyexchange.com or call 773-9333.

Maine Craft Distilling party offers tasting opportunity

Maine Craft Distilling, 101 Fox St., is hosting a holiday tasting party where guests will be able to sample their products, including Chesuncook Botanical Spirit, Alchemy Dry Gin, Ration Expedition Style Rum, QueeQueg Spiced Rum, Black Cap Vodka and Blueshine Blueberry Moonshine.

The party is a 21-plus event and begins at 5 p.m. Friday. Holiday-themed attire is suggested.

The Stocking Stuffer Bluegrass Band will be playing, light snacks will be served and guests will be invited to take festive photos with friends at a designated location within the distillery. Distillery products and holiday gifts will be on sale.

For more information, call 798-2528.

Class will cover Champagnes, sparkling wines for New Year’s

Get ready for New Year’s by learning all there is to know about sparkling wines and Champagnes.

Wine Wise will hold its 4th annual Sparkling Wines & Champagnes: A New Year’s Primer on Dec. 26 at the Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St.

The $50 class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and still has a few spots available.

Italian wines to be tasted at two Rosemont Markets

Michael Burke of Vias Imports will be leading free holiday wine tastings at the Rosemont Markets in Portland and Yarmouth.

The Yarmouth tasting will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at 96 Main St. The Portland tasting will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at 580 Brighton Ave.

The tastings will focus on Brunello, Barolo and other Italian wines. For more information, call 831-2553.

CAPE ELIZABETH

New Year’s Eve wine tasting to feature bubbly, snacks

Flock & Vine, 541 Ocean House Road, will ring in the new year with a wine tasting, mostly bubbly, from 10 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31.

Snacks, good wine and games will be available. The event is free.

For more information, call 799-8463.