“I’ve never seen anyone having a bad time.” It’s a bit tongue in cheek. Not because it is ironic. Because it is not. But perhaps because the assumption is that people are having too much fun. If you have never attended a wine walk before — at least one of our wine walks — and have an image of what type of an event it is, that quote possibly reaffirms the image. It is a toss up between Trunk or Treat, but the wine walk, specifically the November wine walk, is my favorite event that we host.

This year, it will be on Thursday, November 7th. That is 26 days away. And it is 23 days before Shop Small Saturday. And 48 days before Christmas. It is a bit of a kickoff to the holidays. Much like today, which falls in the sweet spot between what feels like summer and fall, the November wine walk fits perfectly in between fall and winter. Stores will be displaying their best Christmas and fall items. The event is one of the few dedicated retail events we host. And as you are gearing up to shop for everyone on your list, participating shops are decking the halls, new items have been brought in, and many participating stores have night-of-only specials.

There are 20 participating stores. Each will have two options to sample. Typically, it has been a red and a white wine. The past few wine walks, though, we have had people asking for ciders and beer. This November, each store will have two options to choose from; perhaps a dry cider and a sweet red wine. One of the most fun parts about planning this event is that I get to sample and help put together the selection. In keeping with the fact that there are 40 options across all stores, there will be everything from local beer to sweeter Wisconsin wines, and options from Greece to Argentina. The goal is to mix it up every time, respond to what participants are saying, and make sure that the stores are serving something they like.That is especially important because every store has a food pairing.

Tickets are required for the event. There are a few different options: Designed Driver (for anyone who wants non-alcoholic options and food), general admission, and VIP which starts an hour early and ends the night at Minhas Kitchen where you get a specialty cocktail. VIP also includes a commemorative wine glass and gift bag. Both general admission and VIP include 2-ounce pours at all participating store. For the food, we ask that each store not repeat what another store is serving. Whether we give them their beverage selection first or work around their food option, we want each place to have a genuine food pairing. So, dinner is included with your ticket purchase. One other thing to note is that your ticket sales go back toward Main Street Monroe. It’s a fundraiser for decorations, flower pots, small business assistance, and other events.

You also move between participating locations at your own pace. There is always good excitement in the air. The event runs from 4-9 p.m. (VIP tickets) or 5-8:30 p.m. (general admission) so you have time to go at your own pace. I love that there’s a safe environment, the friendliness of business owners on full display, new merchandise and new stores a part of the event, and the opportunity to make some new wine walk friends. If you attend the event, I’m willing to bet that you’ll understand why no one is ever having a bad time.

Tickets are available to buy in person at Heartland Graphics, Spilled Grapes Wine Bar, and Toy Haus. They’re also available online. The link can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.

— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.