Naperville's wine fest heads to Naper Settlement
Taste Naperville's finest.
The eighth annual Naperville Wine Festival this weekend at Naper Settlement includes food and drink, demonstrations and musical entertainment.
Fest-goers can sample from more than 200 wines and 11 different restaurants at the event, which runs 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
Naperville's wine festival mimics larger wine fests in Chicago at a fraction of the cost, said Scott Janess, president of Barrington-based inPlay Events, which organizes the fest. Corporate contributions keep Naperville costs low, and some proceeds from the event benefit the Naperville Area Humane Society, he said.
"It's a wonderful way for people to come out and have a great time and at the same time give back to a charitable event," Janess said.
If people get tired of sipping wines, they can swing by the Belgian Beer Café. Decorated to resemble the streets of Belgium, the tent offers tastings of three different beers by Stella Artois including Leffe and Hoegaarden.
"After sampling wine, they (may) want to try something else that's a little colder and a little different tasting," Janess said. "It's been a wonderful hit."
Each beer is served in a chalice specially designed for that specific beer. One has a gold rim around the glass, another a more bowl-shaped glass and the final a thicker glass.
Participating restaurants include Buckingham's Steakhouse and Lounge, Caoba Mexican Grill and Bar, CityGate Grille, Heaven on Seven, Le Chocolat Bouchard, Morton's-The Steakhouse, Palermo's Pizza, PRIME BurgerHouse, SugarToad Restaurant and Sullivan's Steakhouse.
Wine is provided by Wine Discount Center, with locations in Highland Park, Chicago, Barrington and Forest Park.
Should fest-goers discover a new favorite, half-cases can be purchased at the event at a10 percent discount; whole cases can be purchased for 25 percent off.
After a day of tastings and demonstrations, the event wraps up with music each night on the main stage. Michael McDermott performs Friday from 8 to 9:45 p.m. The Michael Heaton Band takes the stage from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Admission for designated drivers is $10.
For information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit napervillewinefestival.com or call (877) 772-5425.
If you goWhat: Naperville Wine FestivalWhen: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., NapervilleCost: $25 in advance, $35 at the gateInfo: napervillewinefestival.comTrue20001300In addition to the wine samples, those at the Naperville Wine Festival can try beers and enjoy music by Michael McDermott or the Michael Heaton Band.Bev Horne | Staff Photographer, 2009True