Wine, local art on tap this Saturday in Libertyville

On a cold February day, it might be hard to convince people to spend their time walking around outside. For the fourth year, Libertyville will try to do just that with Let's Wine About Winter this Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

A $5 commemorative wine glass will serve as a ticket to taste wine and take in the work of local artists at 31 participating stores.

The festival has only gained steam since its genesis - Randy Nelson, executive director for Mainstreet Libertyville, said they sold 500 glasses in 40 minutes last year. He said he expects about 1,000 participants Saturday.

"It's a nice way for them to perhaps discover a store they didn't know about," Nelson said.

Participating stores will have a pink sign and menus that list what refreshments and artists each store has on tap. Not all stores will serve wine; some will have cheese, crackers, coffee or beer.

The local artists involved range from photographers to an acoustic guitar player to someone who recycles and repaints wood.

Nelson said he has directed all the stores to two Libertyville wine retailers for recommendations - Parkview Gourmet, 524 N. Milwaukee Ave., and Vintner's Cellar Winery, 529 N. Milwaukee Ave.

"There's a certain expertise involved in choosing the wine and there's a very broad spectrum," Nelson said.

Charley Colette, owner of Parkview Gourmet, said he has supplied some stores with wine for the event for the past two years. He said he recommends a nice mix of his wines for the festival and uses a little strategy depending on the store.

"I don't have them pour reds when they're a clothing store," Colette said.