On Saturday April 27th, the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development will host their Spring Wine Walk and Shop fundraiser from 1 to 5 p.m.
Wine Walk and Shop has become a flagship fundraiser for the Forest Park Chamber and makes every effort to capitalize on the charm of Forest Park’s one-of-a-kind downtown shopping district. Modeled after the Geneva wine walk, the Forest Park wine event is now in its ninth year and brings wine connoisseurs and eager shoppers to the quaint downtown area twice a year.
In fall of 2018 more than 350 people attended Wine Walk and Shop and 53 percent of tickets purchased were by people living outside the River Forest, Oak Park, and Forest Park communities. In total, tickets were purchased by people from 43 different towns.
“Wine Walk and Shop was created to bring people to Forest Park and to showcase the unique boutiques, restaurants and services on Madison Street;” said Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber. “With nothing but compliments from both attendees and participating businesses, I’d call this increasingly popular event a big success.”
Attendees holding a ticket will receive a reusable wine glass and a map to all 16 locations where a trio of wine samples and local food nibbles will be available. In the past, wine walkers have been treated to a clean and crisp Nola Grace Sauvignon Blanc, Butternut Pinot Noir with vanilla and berry notes, and a food-friendly Beaujolais from 90+ Cellars. Title sponsor, Famous Liquors, includes a wide variety of wines on the walk to ensure everyone is able to find something they will enjoy drinking while they shop. Guests are encouraged to take notes as event ticket holders are allowed to select a bottle of wine offered among the tasting samples to take home.
Tickets for Wine Walk and Shop ($45 each) are available for purchase at online at exploreforestpark.com or in-person at Famous Liquors Forest Park. Same day tickets can be purchased at Forest Park Bank.