Festive fromage

This Christmas, don’t just bring a bottle of wine to your neighbor’s party, pair it with a round of creamy Brie. According to a survey by the American Dairy Association, one in five Americans said they prefer cheese to other holiday food gifts, such as fruit baskets, ham or candy. And if you really want to jazz up your gift, make it into a basket, with decorative cheese plates and spreaders.

Holiday spirits

Just in time for Christmas, the Winterport Winery has introduced its cranberry wine. Gently tart, but with a dry finish, the wine will complement holiday meals. If you stop by the winery at 279 South Main St. in Winterport, be sure to have a glass of Michael Anderson’s hot, mulled blueberry wine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The winery will close for the season Dec. 28. For information, call 223-4500.

A sweet fund-raiser

If you’re looking to support a good claws, pick up a gingerbread person from Epi Sub & Pizza on Main Street in Bangor. Proceeds from the sales benefit the Bangor Humane Society. The sweet cookies come in two varieties – a soft gingerbread person (if you want to eat it right away) or a harder, gingersnap gingerbread person that can be used for a stocking stuffer or Christmas ornament. They cost $1 each and will be available through Dec. 24.