Long Grove's Wine & Dine hopes to grow

If you've ever fancied yourself a closet sommelier, there's an opportunity to test your skills.

The Long Grove Historic Village is hosting its third annual Wine & Dine Celebration. The two-day event includes sampling more than 80 selections of domestic, imported, Midwest and local wines.

"We wanted another event in town to bring people in to see what we have here," said Peg Ball, president of the Long Grove Business and Community Partners. "This wine type of event is nice and quite different than the three festivals we're known for, and appeals to a different audience."

The affair drew more than 300 people last year. For this year's $25 fee, attendees sample wines and receive a souvenir Long Grove logo wine glass. They will also enjoy special prices on individual bottles, or cases of wine.

"There will also be nibbles," said Ball. "You need something like nibbles of crackers to clear your taste buds before the next wine."

A fine bouquet of wines will be supplied by the Long Grove Café. The Farmside Country Store and Winery will offer October Rieslings, French Victorian claret, Chilean chardonnay, and fruit wines of plum, raspberry, blackberry and rhubarb. The Glunz Family Winery & Cellars will uncork local flair.

"They're out of Grayslake. They grow some of their own grapes and make the wine locally," said Ball. "They'll supply dries, sweets and reserves."

Entertainment is also part of the festivities.

"The Downhome Sophisticates perform on Friday," said John Maguire, director of the Long Grove Business and Community Partners. "They are very jazzy. They have a good reputation and have a modern feel to them. They are perfect cocktail music."

Maguire is hoping the group will bring in the Friday night crowd. On Saturday, a combination of acts takes the stage.

"Tom Swenson plays regularly at the Long Grove Beans and Leaves Coffee Shop," Maguire said. "He's a guitarist and will lead a combination of groups. Different people will come on at different times. They are mostly jazz, pop and folk artists."

The day has the possibility of fermenting into much more by visitors strolling through the turn of the century village and taking in more than 70 boutiques, galleries and restaurants. On Saturday, $5 carriage rides will be offered.

"It's something of the simple life Long Grove is known for, and was used in the past all the time," Ball said. "It's a quiet, peaceful thing to do and the kids love it."

Local merchants will have wine-themed offerings. Some will offer wine tastings in their stores. Others will have specials on wine accessories like racks and openers.

"We hope everyone will come out and have a good time," said Ball. "We think we have a real treasure here."

Long Grove Wine & Dine Celebration

When: 2-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

Where: 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, near the Mill Pond Shops

Admission: $25

Info: (847) 634-0888 www.longgroveonline.com