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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The 3rd annual Grapes on the Green will be back June 14 in downtown Northbrook, where adults can gather for an afternoon of wine tastings, light charcuterie snacks and live music from The Flat Cats opens in new tab.
The event is held in partnership between the Northbrook Park District and the Village of Northbrook opens in new tab.
Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner invited the community to attend the event, which will also feature entertainment such as caricature artists, lawn games, a painting station, wine trivia and plenty of giveaways.
“Grapes on the Green has received enthusiastic response from the community — it is a great outdoor event with a relaxed vibe where adults can enjoy good company and good wine,” Leiner said. “We look forward to offering this again on June 14, and we hope to see everyone there.”
Northbrook Deputy Village Manager Jim Hawkins echoed the sentiment.
“The recent downtown streetscape improvements and the beauty of Village Green Park make for the perfect setting for the third annual Grapes on the Green event,” Hawkins said. “We’re proud to partner with the Park District again to offer a fun evening in the heart of Northbrook.”
Chicago Wine opens in new tab, a family owned business with a retail store in Glenview, will again showcase nine varieties of wine for the third year in a row.
“I chose these wines to represent a nice selection of wines from around the world and to highlight selections that everyone will enjoy,” said Mike Widmaier, who co-owns the business with his wife, Paula. The selection features some of Chicago Wine’s best-selling wines, as well as wines with great sale value, he added.
The wine selection will include the following varieties: Bisol ‘Jeio’ Prosecco Brut, Italy; 2022 Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris, France; 2024 Peyrassol Rose ‘Les Commandeurs’, Provence; 2024 Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand; 2024 Kumeu River Chardonnay, New Zealand; 2022 Route Stock Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast; 2022 Volpaia Chianti Classico, Italy; 2021 Torres ‘Celeste’ Crianza, Spain; 2022 Route Stock Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.
The six-member group Flat Cats will entertain with their range of vintage and modern music rooted in the hottest swinging jazz and blues, contemporary classics and timeless standards.
The Widmaiers plan to attend the event. “I love Grapes on the Green,” Mike Widmaier said. “I think it’s a great community event to bring everyone together. In addition, it’s a great opportunity for wine lovers and wine novices.”
Grapes on the Green takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on June 14 at Village Green Park in downtown Northbrook.
Tasting tickets are $49 and include 12, one-ounce sips of wine, a signature Grapes on the Green wine glass and tote bag, snacks, giveaways and free prize drawings.
Non-tasting tickets are $30.
The event is for adults 21 years and older only; infants, children and dogs are not allowed to attend. No outside beverages are permitted.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nbparks.org/grapesonthegreen.