Bites & benders

Thursday 21
If you still haven’t made good on that New Year’s resolution to contribute to charity, the Alzheimer’s Association’s A Toast to Remember Benefit makes it easy. With a global selection of hors d’oeuvres, wines from WineStyles and a tasting of Unibroue beers, giving money to charity (in this case, the association’s Illinois chapter) never tasted so good. $75. 6–9pm. River East Art Center, 435 E Illinois St at McClurg Ct (847-933-2413).

Saturday 23
Wine ages fine, but beer does too. See for yourself at Delilah’s tenth annual Vintage Beer Fest, with more than 70 vintage suds (mostly strong ales) to convince you. This year there are more beers than ever before, with side-by-side samples from 50-plus breweries and some brewers in attendance. It’s time to show what February’s got on Oktober. $20. Noon–6pm. Delilah’s, 2771 N Lincoln Ave at Racine Ave (773-472-2771).

Tuesday 26
You think you know all about wine, huh? Well you don’t—unless you’ve covered wine’s hottest new category: organics. Get up to speed at a master class titled “Principles of Biodynamic/Organic Winemaking & Farming,” where Erinn Benziger of Benziger Winery will break down the science of pesticide-free methods. $65. Just Grapes, 560 W Washington Blvd, suite 100, at Clinton St (312-627-9463).