I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I was still excited to hear that Oak Park will be hosting the Uncork Illinois wine festival this summer. Here's what the press release says:

Downtown Oak Park Uncorks Over 150 Illinois Wines From Across the State
Zero Waste Event Offers Tips and Tastings from Top Illinois Wineries

Wine aficionados will have a unique opportunity to sample local wines and locally-produced artisan foods at Downtown Oak Park's first wine festival, Uncork Illinois on Saturday, June 2nd from 1-9pm, on Marion Street, between Lake and North Blvd. This will be a zero waste event with recyclable materials.
 

With the purchase of a $15 souvenir glass, participants will receive 7 tastings from local wineries including August Hill Winery, Fox Valley Winery, Illinois River Winery, Lynfred Winery, Waterman Winery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery, Pheasant Hollow Winery, Shawnee Winery, Glunz Family Winery, and Acquaviva Winery. Wines will also be available by glass or bottle. Vineyards will offer pairing tips with favorite dishes from local restaurants.

Megan Pressnall, Director of External Relations of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, is pleased that Illinois wines are being showcased in the Chicago Metro Area. She states “Uncork Illinois gives both wine enthusiasts and beginners an opportunity to taste wines from vintners all across the state in one convenient location. Our goal is that festival attendees will be so impressed with Illinois wine that they will follow up with weekend visits to the wineries.”

In addition to wine, the event will showcase locally produced gourmet food items from across the state. There will also be wine pairing suggestions with dishes from local restaurants including Mancini’s Pizza and Pasta, Sushi House, Sugar Fixe Patisserie, Khyber Pass, The Golden Lamb, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Hutong Cafe, Luo’s Peking House, and Lake Street Kitchen and Bar.

Live jazz selected by WDCB, a local premiere jazz station, will be provided for the public’s entertainment. Shoppers, over 21 years of age, will have a chance to win a selection of featured wines.
 

Profits from the event will go to Wonder Works, an Oak Park children’s museum that unleashes creativity and imagination in children through art, performance, building, and more. Learn more at www.wonder-works.org.
 

Advanced tickets are available www.wonder-works.org as space is limited at the event.

 

A wine festival and a beer festival taking place in Oak Park? Not too shabby for a town that used to be dry!