Boston Madeira party

Harrison Gray Otis was an attorney, congressman, senator, third mayor of Boston, and lover of Madeira - he ordered it by the “pipe’’ (a cask that held more than 100 gallons). At tomorrow’s Wine Tasting at the Otis House Museum, wine educator, Sara Davies, will enlighten guests about fortified wines and their role in early American history, and entertaining in 1800 Boston. The afternoon includes a tour of the Otis House Museum, a restored Federal mansion designed for the Otises in 1796 by Charles Bullfinch. Nov. 1, 2-5 p.m. $50. Registration is required. Otis House Museum, 141 Cambridge St., Boston. 617-227-3957, ext. 256. www.historicnewengland.org