Beer, wine dinners and news

• The Liberty's first beer dinner, with Big Boss Brewery in Raleigh, is Jan. 14, for $40. Look for roasted Maine sea scallops paired with Angry Angel, Coca-Cola-braised Black Berkshire pork shoulder with Bad Penny Brown, bison short ribs with Hells Belle, and more. 1812 South Blvd.; 704-332-8830.
  

• Bonterra hosts a five-course Robert Foley wine dinner Feb. 3, the annual dinner to benefit HeartBright Foundation, which raises awareness of heart health issues and funds preventive cardiology programs for the economically disadvantaged. Winemaker Foley is slated to be on hand and the cost is $199. Among the pairings: Pinot Blanc with chilled lobster and celery salad and cornmeal-crusted oysters; and Merlot with grilled pork medallions with wild boar sausage. 1829 Cleveland Ave. Reservations are required at www.heartbright.org.
  

• Tickets go on sale Jan. 18 for the Charlotte Wine and Food Weekend at www.charlottewineandfood.com and by phone at 704-338-9463. New this year: C3 -- Charlotte Cru Competition -- a free and open-to-public wine competition, Charlotte's first, held as a blind tasting Feb. 6 at Del Frisco's of wines entered by wineries taking part in the Weekend. The biennial fundraiser estimates it's raised more than $3.2 million for local nonprofits since 1989 with its vintner dinners, tastings and galas, and this year is focusing on helping Mecklenburg County youth.