Wine down: Downtown event pairs wine, food

By Erin Pradia epradia@dailysentinel.com | Posted: Sunday, September 9, 2012 10:10 pm

Main Street will host an inaugural Wine Swirl event in the streets and stores of historic downtown Nacogdoches on a cozy February evening.

Wineries will be invited to set up in the retail stores downtown, partnering with restaurants to pair their wine with complimentary foods.

“We’re shooting for between 10 and 15 wineries,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien. “The wine swirl will be patterned after a similar event from Georgetown.”

Wine is becoming a big part of the Texas economy, O’Brien said. The event will give local restaurants an opportunity to partner with East Texas wineries.

“Main Street wants to focus on events that get people inside the doors of our local retail stores,” O’Brien said. “For the stores that may not want to host a winery, we will have a few coffee and chocolate stops.”

The event is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, but tickets will go on sale shortly after the first of January, O’Brien said. Tickets are $30 in advance, or $35 the day of the event.

“We’re always looking for ways to increase funds so we can continue to beautify and improve downtown,” she said. “We are capping the event at 350 tickets to make it manageable for the wineries, and to make it a desired event as well.”

Tickets will include wine glass, a plate, at least 10 wine and food samples and a badge holder.

“The customized wine plate holds your glass so it is easier to carry it from store to store,” O’Brien said.

Bottles of wine will also be available for purchase at the event, O’Brien said.

“It is the weekend before Valentine’s Day so it is a perfect time to go shopping and buy something special,” she said.

Live entertainment will also be a part of the wine swirl event.

“A lot of the retailers have existing relationships with artisans so we’re hoping to have them get on board,” O’Brien said. “The Main Street committee is also working to bring in some live music, street performers and other entertainers inside the stores.”

Residents interested in being part of the wine swirl committee, suggesting wineries to participate or helping sponsor the event, can contact Sarah O’Brien at the Main Street office at 936-559-2573. The event is also featured on Facebook as the Nacogdoches Main Street Downtown Wine Swirl.

“Brookshire Brothers has signed on as our main sponsor, but we are looking to get more sponsors,” O’Brien said. “TABC is already on board. We had to work out all the logistical stuff, such as lining up the wineries and the restaurants, before we could get started. We are glad to be able to bring this event to the community.”