Celebrate Robert Burns across WNC

• The Taste of Scotland Society will host its annual celebration of Robert Burns on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. The event will be part of a worldwide celebration of the 264th birthday of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. The evening will consist of a Scottish meal, live music, poetry readings, and traditional parts of any tribute to Burns. The gathering will start at 5 p.m., with the meal served at 6 p.m. Although Scottish attire is welcome, it is not required. This is just an opportunity to have fun, good food, entertaining music, and fellowship. The cost of the dinner will be $25, and $15 for children 12 and under. Cash and checks accepted. Tickets can be obtained from any TOSS member, the Chamber of Commerce, or at the door.

• “Dinner With The Bard: Celebrating Scottish Poet Robert Burns” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at The Classic Wineseller in downtown Waynesville. Five-course menu paired alongside scotch, ale, and cider. There will also be pipe music and traditional Burns poetry. Tickets are $110 per couple or $60 per individual, which are all-inclusive. Reservations are required. To RSVP, call 828.452.6000.

• “Burns Night Dinner” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley. Tickets are $100 per person, which includes dinner and entertainment. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.926.1717 or click on meadowlarkmotel.com.

• “Burns Night Supper” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at The Scotsman in Waynesville. A private, four-course Scottish meal alongside Scotch, ale, wine, pipe tunes, poetry recital, and more. Tickets are $59 per person and available for purchase at the pub. scotsmanpublic.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host the “Battle of the Beans” chili cook-off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.

• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.