Warmth for cold, winter days

In keeping with fall and holiday traditions, Historic Deepwood Estate is hosting two holiday-inspired culinary events. For children, a gingerbread tea afternoon is set for December 13, and adults are invited to join in on a Christmas buffet scheduled for December 20.

Before the Festival of Lights parade that night, children will be served a meal and tea inside the Victorian house, which will be decorated for Christmas. In keeping with the theme, kids can make their own gingerbread houses or children. To cap off the afternoon, Cathy Beninati will share a special holiday story. Reservations are required and the cost is $12 per person.

The Christmas buffet will offer a multitude of choices that guests can enjoy. The champagne buffet will feature a variety of appetizers and tea sandwiches, salmon and pork tenderloin, followed by an array of desserts. This annual event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs $30 per person. To make reservations for either event or for more information, call (503) 363-1825.

Wine and Dine for the arts

When the right flavors of food and wine are mixed, both are enhanced. This December, two local establishments will pair wine and dinner, not with one another, but with the arts. In honor of the season, Eola Hills Wine Cellar is hosting a musical event titled Enchanted Christmas Concerts. Meanwhile, Iovino’s Italian Restaurant hosts Dine for the Arts.

On December 8 and 9, Eola Hills Wine Cellar welcomes pianist Michael Allen Harrison for a concert that begins at 7 p.m. The evening event will include plentiful hors d’oeuvres, fine wine and a dessert intermission. Case discounts will be available for those who wish to purchase extra wine. Harrison has been a musical guest at Eola Hills for over 12 years. Seating is limited; guests are asked to arrive between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

Located in Corvallis, Iovino’s Italian Restaurant is set to host what is now a monthly fundraiser for The Arts Center. On December 4, a percentage of sales will be donated to the local organization to increase arts and culture in the community. The Arts Center hosts exhibitions in its galleries, offers classes and presides over the Corvallis Fall Festival among many other functions. Iovino’s offers a gourmet selection of Italian fare that is available from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Willamette Valley Vineyards to celebrate silver anniversary

No, a special wedding is not being commemorated, but the inception of the winery itself. The local vineyard has now entered its 25th year of production. Founder Jim Bernau began producing pinot noir from the south Salem hills in 1983.

Old Europe Inn will host the event on December 9, with Chef Hans Afshar inviting guests to join in the celebration and partake of the six-course dinner. While the menu has not yet been finalized, the meal will consist of local fare paired with, of course, Willamette Valley wines.

Set to begin at 6 p.m., the evening affair costs $65 per person. Seating is limited, so those interested must make reservations. Registration is available at www.oldeuropeinn.com or call (503) 588-3639.