The Downtown Bellingham Partnership presents their inaugural downtown Holiday Wine Walk. The new event, taking place Friday, November 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., will guide attendees on a tasting tour throughout downtown. Like the spring iteration of the event, Holiday Wine Walk attendees will sample unique wines at 16 different retailers while having the opportunity to shop along the way. "We're excited to present downtown with our first-ever Holiday Wine Walk after huge success with our springtime event," Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Events Director for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, said. "We look forward to bringing folks downtown for an evening of shopping and sipping, just as the holiday season kicks off." After three successful years of hosting the spring Wine Walk, the holiday version was designed to create action downtown during a traditionally quiet period, while also supporting downtown retailers with pre-holiday shopping. The holiday iteration also stems from several years of positive feedback from past Wine Walk attendees asking for an additional event. "Wine Walk attendees tell us how they wish they didn't have to wait a whole year for the next one," Lindsey Payne Johnstone, DBP Events Director, said. "That, combined with a push for more holiday promotions downtown during November and December, made a Holiday Wine Walk a no-brainer." Both the venues and the wineries will be a mix of returning and new for the Holiday Wine Walk, giving attendees an opportunity to revisit favorites from the spring event while also experiencing new participants. The Holiday Wine Walk is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and Bank of the Pacific. Support from both companies was key to making this new event happen, Payne Johnstone said. "The Holiday Wine Walk provides an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate local producers," Olivia Yates O'Donnell, of Whole Foods Washington, said. "Whole Foods Market shares this value, so we are really excited to be a part of the Holiday Wine Walk." Wine and cheese enthusiasts can bid on a basket provided by Whole Foods Market, valued at over $200 that includes a pairing evening for 8 with Whole Foods Market Certified Cheese Professional and Wine Expert. Bids can be made at the Bank of the Pacific, hosts of the Holiday Wine Walk check-in, at 100 Grand Ave beginning November 6. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit programs that support a livable and vibrant downtown. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day-of and include a commemorative wine glass, 15 tasting tickets, and an event guide. Tickets are available for purchase now on the Facebook event page. "We highly encourage anyone interested to buy their tickets now," Payne Johnstone said. "Our last Wine Walk sold completely out in a matter of days, and this event will likely do the same!" 2017's Downtown Holiday Wine Walk participating businesses are:
