Barrington kicks off shopping season with holiday wine walk

Shoppers can check out the latest fashions and get some holiday gift buying out of the way early, all while enjoying free wine tastings and other treats, when Barrington hosts its 2015 Holiday Merchant Wine Walk on Saturday.

The annual event is from 2 to 5 p.m. at 30 shops and restaurants in downtown Barrington, the Shops on Lageschulte Street, the Ice House Mall and in the Barrington Commons.

The event is billed as an opportunity for shoppers and visitors to experience the stores and restaurants in Barrington, and for village merchants to highlight their merchandise, unique gifts and specialty items. Free wine tastings and other tasty treats will be available at each of the participating shops, as well as several restaurants.

Customers can begin the Wine Walk at any participating business by picking up a location map for the tastings.

The stores and restaurants participating in the Holiday Merchant Wine Walk are:

• Village Center Merchants: Allegro Dance Boutique, Anderson's Candy Shop, Angelina, Barrington Flower Shop, Bravura Home & Gift Shop, Grassroots, Notice, Roots: Reclaimed, Repurposed, Resale, The Annex and Vin Chicago.

• Barrington Commons: Carol & Company, Fleur de Lis Salon and Jennie and Vera's Sweets & Savories.

• Shops on Lageschulte Street: Norton's U.S.A. and The English Daisy.

The wines for Saturday's event are being provided by Heinen's Fine Foods, McGonigal's Pub, The Annex, Grassroots, Ciao Baby, Chessie's, Cooper's, Garfield's Beverage Warehouse, Vin Chicago and Vintage Wine & Spirits.