Oregon wineries uncork a rare peek behind the scenes

Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Nov. 24-26: On a weekend of plenty, Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country rolls out the barrel. This year, 118 wineries throw open their doors for Wine Country Thanksgiving; some are not open any other time of the year. It’s a chance for visitors to raise a pinkie and get their fill of Pinot Noir, the flagship wine of the valley. There will be tastings of new releases and older vintages, barrel tastings, sales of limited-quantity wines, and live music and bites to eat at some wineries.

Various locations in the Willamette Valley. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tasting fees about $4 to $20. Call for info and a map or order online: (503) 646-2985, www.willamettewines.com.

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San Francisco

Nov. 25-26, Dec. 2-3: It’s the annual holiday crafts fair that’s by, about and for women -- and a whole bunch of cute gift ideas too. More than 300 female artists -- 150 different artists each weekend -- will display a vast array of handmade wares: decorative ceramics and glass, photography, sculpted woods, paintings, kids’ toys and more. The event is a benefit for San Francisco’s Women’s Building community center.

Fort Mason Herbst Pavilion, at Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 25-26 and Dec. 2-3. $8, free for children 11 and younger. Info: (415) 431-1180, www.womensbuilding.org.

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Vancouver, Canada

Dec. 16-Jan. 6: Canyon Lights flips the switch at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stretches 450 feet across (and 230 feet above) Vancouver’s Capilano River. About 150,000 lights will be illuminated along the span and in the adjacent park and rain forest, where a series of suspension bridges allow visitors to see the forest from squirrel level (up to 100 feet above the forest floor). Carolers in costume will roam the park, and guests can buy baked goods and mulled apple cider.

5-9 p.m. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31, closed Dec. 25). $10, children 6-12 $5. 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver; (604) 985-7474, www.capbridge.com. -- AMY HUBBARD