The Reno Riverwalk Merchants Association throws a great and classy party. I went to the Wine Walk on June 19th and I have to say it was a truly wonderful experience. I am down for things that support the best of our fine city and this is one of those things.
You can feel the sense of fun and the love for Reno right away. The folks in the check-in tent are laughing, happy, helpful and the mood is contagious. To check in just show your ticket - mine was in an email sent to me by evite. Then they will check for your name, ask to see your ID, and give you a bracelet to wear and a map of the wine walk locations. After this official work is done you get to pick a wine glass - all of them are so lovely, creative, silly, and fun. And then you take your map, your wine glass, and head off into the world of downtown Reno.
I started my wine walk tour at Home Means Nevada Co., which I believe was formerly known as Reno Envy. I had never been inside of this store before. And right away I could sense the brilliance of the Wine Walk - getting us into a local store we have never been in before, and then, getting us to spend a bit of money at this local store - genius! I was thrilled to find a good tshirt, a canvas bag with a cat on it, and also, of course, some wine.
When you go to each stop on the Wine Walk, they stamp your map. Which is a fun way to keep track of where you have been and also it really encourages conversation, engagement with the local merchants, and adds to the overall sense of fun and whimsy that is the general feel of the Wine Walk, in my opinion.
The other places were mostly bars - The Office, Ole Bridge Pub, Reno Axe, and the Virgina Street Brewhouse, to name a few, and it was nice to check out some of the local bars that I have not been to because I am not much of a bar person, or really much of a drinker! But the Wine Walk feels refreshing and like truly innovative urban boosterism, and I am down for that. Other local businesses on the Wine Walk for this date - and maybe they change them up for each Wine Walk, I am not sure - but we got to check out Labels Consignment Boutique, Shims Surplus Supplies, and Urban Market. A few restaurants were also down for the Wine Walk, including Pizza Reno and Old Granite Street Eatery.
The Wine Walk had a truly fun vibe. Yes, it was hot but that’s Reno in the summer and summer in the city, right? I really enjoyed the Wine Walk. I went alone but from the start I did not feel alone. So many people were friendly, talkative, and told me that it is easy to make friends on the Wine Walk - and indeed, it was. I ran into some wonderful folks, including this delightful trio of lovely ladies who wish to remain nameless.
I have but two small suggestions, or ideas, rather as a blooming urban booster starting to love the heck out of this city 1). getting more small businesses on board because wine and local business shopping are a special combo, am I right? And 2). an event on every second Saturday of the month in the summer called an Iced Coffee Walk. Imagine the possibilities! I know it does not roll off the tongue as well, but as mentioned, it was hot!
The Wine Walk happens every third Saturday of every month. The next Wine Walk is a themed Wine Walk - a Van Gohe walk, so dress up as your favorite artist and get ready to stroll through the Riverwalk District with a cute glass, with friends or making new friends. See you there!
This is original content from NewsBreak’s Creator Program. Join today to publish and share your own content.