Park Ridge ‘Wine Walk' brings together local businesses and area residents
Twenty-one Park Ridge businesses — both new and long-standing — participated in the event, giving more than 250 attendees a chance to explore local shops and sip various wines. Tickets were priced at $45 per person and included a business passport checklist, goodie bags, souvenirs and entry into a raffle.
'The Wine Walk has been going on since approximately 2014. Some years we do more than one a year, but this year in 2025, we'll only be doing one,' said Jackie Mathews, executive director of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. 'It's an opportunity to explore our beautiful city, spend time in our beautiful businesses on a Sunday, and really visit businesses people haven't been to before- or ones they haven't visited in a while.'
Since its inception, the Wine Walk has expanded, and chamber officials hope that growth continues.
'It's grown in attendance. Our businesses do such a beautiful job of really rolling out the red carpet for all those who are our guests,' Mathews said. 'They do a beautiful job of having little small bites, choosing a lovely wine, and we have options for those not partaking in wine. We've definitely made a concerted effort, thanks to our president, Jerry Kowalczyk. Since the event takes place in Uptown, we also invite businesses from North Park and South Park.'
Harp and Fiddle, an American and Irish rustic-contemporary tavern established in 2016, served as the starting point of the Wine Walk. Businesses like Don Juan's Cantina and event sponsors Cooney Funeral Home, Chris Varco at Origin Point, The McGovern Group at RE/MAX Properties Northwest set up pop-up tents on the back patio.
'We do real estate here in Park Ridge, so seeing new homeowners come to this event and actually experience Park Ridge for the first time … it's awesome seeing that,' said Cassidy Gooding, a real estate broker for The McGovern Group, an original sponsor of the Wine Walk.
'Their faces light up just talking about being able to experience it, because you don't immediately go to 21 stops on your average Sunday.'
At their pop-up tent, The McGovern Group and Chris Varco at Origin Point teamed up to offer Rosé and Spring Angel wine, along with a lip balm, headband and a special giveaway.
Park Ridge residents Kimberly Walters and her daughter, Shea Walters, attended the event for the first time, calling it a perfect afternoon to spend together.
'It's my first time at this event. I've known of it, but I can't believe this is the first time because I do love everything in Park Ridge — and wine,' Kimberly Walters said. '[Shea] just got back in town. We're like, 'oh, this would be a great event to come out and spend a nice afternoon with my daughter' and again, support everything Park Ridge.'
2 Sisters Boutique A+L, an Uptown Park Ridge shop offering trendy clothing for women and men, was stop number 20 on the walk. The owners have participated in the event since it first began in 2014, and served rosé toward the back of their shop.
'There's a lot of new faces that I haven't seen before, and then many returning faces, which has been great. I just think it's wonderful that people are out, and they might not have been here before, but they're coming in here and seeing what we have to offer,' said Natalie Amabile, owner of 2 Sisters Boutique A+L. 'The weather has really helped. Everyone is in such a great mood, which makes it very fun.'
Devin Kenny, a newer Park Ridge resident, attended with friends and it was her birthday. They spent the afternoon checking out businesses, sharing laughs, tasting snacks from local vendors and sipping some of their favorite wines.
'It's been wonderful weather, and checking out new businesses is great,' said Kenny. 'I like to get out, and we've already met brand new people. I love it.'
'I'm also newer here — five years — but I love that Park Ridge does so many things like this which helps me feel part of the community,' said Debbie Breit, who joined in celebrating Kenny's birthday. 'I didn't have that where I came from, so this is wonderful.'
The next event the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is preparing for is 'Market After Dark,' officials said, returning for its second year. The event is expected to feature food trucks, drinks, music, vendors and other specialties, and will take place on May 31, June 21, and August 23 at the Park Ridge farmers market footprint.
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