MONROE — Main Street Monroe is inviting wine (and beer and cider) lovers and shoppers to raise a glass to the changing seasons as its annual November Wine Walk returns to historic downtown Monroe on Friday, Nov. 6.
A downtown tradition since 2016, the November Wine Walk brings together local retailers, wine enthusiasts and visitors for an evening of sampling, shopping and exploring the businesses surrounding Monroe’s historic Square. With the holiday season approaching, the event offers an opportunity to discover unique gifts, visit new and familiar businesses, and enjoy an evening downtown.
Sponsored by Spilled Grapes Wine Bar, the event will feature selections of wine, beer and cider at participating downtown locations, with food pairings available at various stops. Many businesses will also offer special promotions and shopping opportunities exclusively for Wine Walk participants.
This year’s Wine Walk welcomes Rose House Books and Monroe Arts Center as first-time participants, adding new experiences to the event’s established mix of downtown destinations. Additionally, Monroe Antiques Mall, which is under new management, and Zenful Moments which has expanded on the southwest corner of the square into two additional storefronts will also be participating. Meanwhile, Minhas returns as the Wine Walk’s specialty cocktail destination, a popular role it has filled for several years. Together, these locations reflect the variety of experiences available throughout downtown Monroe, from new discoveries to longtime favorites.
This year’s November Wine Walk will embrace a holiday open house theme, celebrating the transition into the holiday season and the festive atmosphere of downtown Monroe. With 25 participating businesses, attendees should expect a variety of night of only specials ranging from giveaways to promotions, including Main Street’s own which will start the beginning of November and run through the end of the year. That promotion will give away $3,000 worth of prizes to those who shop local.
The wine walk highlights the variety of retail experiences available within the historic downtown district, from boutique shopping and home décor to specialty gifts and locally owned businesses, which is especially sought after during this time of year.
The Wine Walk has become one of Main Street Monroe’s most popular retail-focused events, drawing both local residents and visitors from surrounding communities. Its format encourages participants to explore downtown at their own pace, stopping at participating locations throughout the evening.
Judy Meier, owner of the Artful Gourmet, a kitchen and home goods store on the south side of the historic square will be participating for the second time. “What a great way to explore downtown Monroe. We hope everyone comes in to check out the Christmas items we’ll have on display and decorations.” “There’s something particularly enjoyable about downtown during the November Wine Walk,” Nordby added. “You have the lights coming on, people moving between shops, conversations happening and businesses welcoming customers who might be visiting for the first time. It’s a social event, certainly, but it’s also an opportunity to introduce people to the businesses that make downtown Monroe what it is and see what updates they have for the season.
VIP ticket holders can begin the Wine Walk at 4 p.m. and will receive a gift bag featuring a commemorative wine glass and other goodies. General admission begins at 5 p.m., with participating businesses welcoming guests until 8:30 or 9 p.m. Designated driver tickets are also available.
Tickets, which are limited, can be purchased online at mainstreetmonroe.org or in person at Heartland Graphics, Toy Haus, 608 the Factory and Spilled Grapes Wine Bar.
All participants must check in at Buehler Interiors, 1900 12th St., between 3 and 6 p.m., where they will receive their event wristbands and maps. Attendees must present their ticket and a valid photo ID at check-in. Alcohol sampling is restricted to guests age 21 and older.
