What began as a simple adults-only wine tasting event in downtown Northbrook has become somewhat of an annual summer tradition for local residents.
On June 20, Grapes on the Green is set to return for its fourth year at Village Green Park, sponsored by the Village of Northbrook and the Northbrook Park District.
Adults are welcome to convene on the green from 4 to 8 p.m. and gather for an evening of various wine tastings, games, light bites and live music from guitarist and vocalist Peter Warren, who is set to perform a blend of jazz, bossa nova, instrumentals and contemporary compositions.
“We created this event in response to the [Northbrook] community’s desire for adults-only events, and it’s been exciting to see people respond with such enthusiasm year after year,” said Northbrook Park District Board President Mike Goodman in a news release about the event.
“Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy spending time in Village Green Park, Grapes on the Green provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for all.”
As the Village of Northbrook celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, Northbrook President Kathryn Ciesla said the event is a “wonderful example of what makes Northbrook special.”
Grapes on the Green “brings people together in the heart of our community,” Ciesla said, showcasing “the vibrant spirit” of the Village in its most favorable season.
Previous years have brought hundreds to the downtown park, located at the intersection of Shermer and Meadow Roads in Northbrook.
Tasting tickets are $49 and include 12 one-ounce sips of wine poured by family-owned retail store Chicago Wine.
Entry into the event will also include a tote bag with a Grapes on the Green signature wine glass sporting the 125th anniversary logo and a snack box featuring chocolate, crackers, dried fruit and nuts.
Mike Widmaier, who co-owns Chicago Wine alongside his wife Paula, told Pioneer Press he has been a veteran of the industry for over 25 years, but opened his Glenview-based brick and mortar shop about six years ago.
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Widmaier has poured wine for the roughly 300 event attendees since its inaugural year in 2023.
“It’s just a great time, and it’s a great community event, that’s the bottom line,” Widmaier said.
“When I put together all of my tastings, whether it’s a tasting for the store or a tasting like this, specifically, I try and touch a little bit of everything in terms of style and wines from around the world.”
This year, nine varieties of wine are to be served, ranging from a 2021 Torres ‘Gran Coronas’ Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva from Spain, to a 2025 La Croix Rose from Provence, France.
Widmaier said he’s also excited to feature a “sparkling rose from California, the Mirabelle Brut Rose” this year and a “beautiful little pinot grigio from Elena Walch from Italy.”
“No matter what you’re into, you’re going to find something that you’ll love and want to hone in on,” he said.
“As far as price-point wise, we’re bringing things that are in the kind of mid-tier price point, above your normal grocery store [wine]…we’ve got a few customers, when they see the lineup they’re like, ‘oh wow, this is such a great value for what you’re getting,’ and we try and make it that value for what you’re paying for its entirety.”
Non-tasting tickets will also be available for $30 for event-goers opting not to drink. Those tickets will still include the featured items.
Only adults over the age of 21 are permitted to attend Grapes on the Green. Infants, children and pets are not allowed, in addition to outside beverages.
Seating will be limited, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets.