In the market for a winery? Has your home value increased since 2009? Like Rum?

It's challenging to keep up with local news, particularly the items that may impact your life, your commute, or your community. That's why each week we'll compile a few interesting developments happening in the area (some serious, some not so much). Feel free to share other news items we may have not included (info@thetassateam.com)!

WTOP: DC-area home values up 40 pct. since 2009

"Home values have risen steadily since the depths of the recession. Bright MLS said the median price of a home in the D.C.-area market is 40.4 percent higher than the $320,500 price in November 2009."

Greater Greater Washington: Upzoning Arlington Ridge and Aurora Highlands could house Amazon employees—and then some

"Areas immediately adjacent to HQ2, like Arlington Ridge and Aurora Highlands, are woefully underutilized. Most of this area is zoned as R-5, R-6, or R-10, which are single-family home and townhouse levels of density. While a lot of the area is zoned for duplexes, very few duplexes actually exist there."

Washington Business Journal: A boutique Virginia winery is on the market for $2M. Even the staff conveys

"The 1989 building includes a main-level tasting room with wine retail space, gift shop, great room with gas fireplace and an adjoining kitchen and office. The upper level could be used as residential space, an office area, storage or private event space, while the lower level includes a barrel room, tank room, winemaking area, crushpad, case storage and lab."

The Washington Post: Metro board defers vote on late-night service, advances peak fares for special events and expanded rush-hour service

"The Metro board on Thursday voted to charge riders peak fares for special events and agreed to hold a public hearing on expanding rush-hour service windows as part of General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

But the board tabled action on a measure to continue the system’s early-closing hours for another year after board members representing the District threatened to veto it."

Washington Business Journal: Combined Properties breaks ground on Aldi-anchored South Alex. Here's when it will deliver

"The $135 million, 502,000-square-foot mixed-use development will feature 400 apartment units and more than 43,000 square feet of retail, anchored by a 20,000-square-foot Aldi store. South Alex is located at the crossroads of North Kings Highway and Route 1, on the former site of the 10-acre Penn Daw Shopping Center, which has been demolished. It is just shy of a mile from the Huntington Metro station."

Food Network: How to Prepare Guests for the Holidays

"Whether it's creating welcome kits for overnight guests or making a fully stocked coffee station, the key is preparing in advance. Even something as simple as decluttering your kitchen can make a world of difference when an impromptu holiday party pops up at your place. This season, focus on what's really important: spreading that holiday cheer, and spending time with family and friends."

DC Eater: Tiki TNT Opens at the Wharf With Frozen Rum and Cokes in a Can

"Tiki TNT began accepting customers at the Wharf development this weekend. That meant [Todd] Thrasher — a three-time semifinalist for James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional at now-shuttered Restaurant Eve — and his crew got to work cranking can openers to take the tops of single servings of Coca-Cola."