Saturday, May 31 is the day Downtown turns deliciously local. The 5th Annual Downtown Wine Walk is back—and more iconic than ever—with 12 unforgettable stops, 2 pop-ups before the sippin starts, and a full-on after-hours bash to wrap it all up.
If you haven’t snagged your ticket yet, what are you waiting for?!
🎟️ BUY NOW for just $40
👀 Prices go up on event day if we don’t sell out first.
Let’s break it down—because every stop on this stroll is a whole vibe and we’re spilling all the tea (and wine).
🍷 THE LOCATIONS: 13 Stops. 1 Legendary Afternoon.
🏙️ 520 N Neil Apartments by Royse & Brinkmeyer
Start sleek, stay chic. Tour this luxe living space while sipping something smooth. They’re rolling out the red carpet for Wine Walkers.
🌿 Plant Mode
Serving plant parent energy and a perfect pour. Sip among the monstera leaves and maybe take home a leafy friend or two.
🔮 Mother Ghost
Welcome to your sustainable style sanctuary. Home to Raff Co., every garment here is handmade in-house with intention, creativity, and serious edge. Sip while you browse pieces that are one-of-a-kind—just like you. This stop isn’t just fashion—it’s a movement wrapped in a glass of wine.
🏛️ PACA (Preservation & Conservation Association)
Explore architectural treasures while enjoying a vintage of your own. This stop is giving antique elegance and wine education.
🧀 Martinelli’s Market
Cheese, charcuterie, and curated goods? Yes please. A wine walk with a flavor-packed pit stop is always a win.
🕹️ Live Action Games
Level up your tasting game. Nostalgia meets next-level fun at this one-of-a-kind gaming haven. (Yes, wine tastes better next to Mario Kart.)
🍰 Suzu’s Bakery
It’s a sweet spot—literally. Locally loved Japanese-French fusion pastries and wine? Don’t mind if we do.
🌎 Ten Thousand Villages
Global good vibes only. Handcrafted gifts, artisan stories, and fair-trade finds set the scene for an inspiring sip session.
🎨 Springer Cultural Center by Champaign Park District
Wine and creativity collide at this cultural cornerstone. Surround yourself with the arts as you sample your way through the walk.
📚 Jane Addams Book Shop
A literary legend. Get lost among the stacks with a glass in hand—this is what bookish dreams are made of.
🍽️ Big Grove Tavern
One word: flavors. This downtown staple is serving up bold bites and bold sips in a cozy-chic space perfect for a mid-walk break.
📻 WEFT 90.1 FM
Feel the beat and raise your glass. This independent radio station is bringing the groove to the Wine Walk with community spirit and good tunes.
🛋️ Furniture Lounge
End your walk with a retro rewind. Mid-century magic, funky finds, and your final pour—this stop is a whole vibe.
Before you even take your first sip, we’re setting the tone with two incredible pop-up experiences that will have you shopping, tasting, and glowing with good vibes before the walk even begins.
👗 Apricot Lane Boutique Pop-Up
This isn’t your average boutique—and it’s not your average check-in. Apricot Lane is bringing its signature mix of bold, boho, and totally wearable fashion right to the patio at Cowboy Monkey. Whether you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your outfit or want to grab a show-stopping piece before the walk starts, this pop-up is here to serve main character energy. Bonus: Their stylists will be on hand to help you find your perfect Wine Walk look.
✨ Fashion tip: There’s no such thing as too glam for Wine Walk.
🍷 Alto Vineyards Pop-Up Tasting + Wine Shop
Yes, you can actually start sipping at check-in—and yes, you can buy bottles of your new favorite finds! The iconic Alto Vineyards will be on site pouring select tastings so you can sample what’s waiting along the walk—or discover something exclusive only available at the pop-up. Even better? You can purchase bottles on the spot to take home or gift your fellow wine lovers.
✨ Wine tip: Grab your bottles early—these limited offerings go fast.
This double pop-up moment sets the stage for everything the Wine Walk is about: shopping small, sipping local, and starting your Saturday with a little extra sparkle.
The walk may end at 5—but the party’s just getting started.
Slide into Hound’s Rest and cap off your day with a bonus round of fun, flavor, and local flair:
🍷 Live Glass Art by Jason from Mack Glass
From 3–6 PM, Jason will be on the patio at 9 Taylor working his magic—crafting custom wine corks and plant picks right before your eyes. His studio setup lets you see the glassblowing process and score a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
🍿 Flavor Flights + Popcorn Pairings
Heidi from Berries and Flour is back with her signature small-batch popcorn creations—designed to elevate your drink with unique flavor combos you never knew you needed.
💸 Drink Deals You’ll Love
Enjoy $1 off a glass of wine or $2 off a flight—whether you’re sipping on wine, beer, cocktails, or a mix of all three. Your wristband is your VIP pass to the good stuff.
🍽️ Outside Food Welcome
Bring a bite, share a snack, or grab carryout from one of your favorite Downtown spots—this patio is a judgment-free zone for all your post-walk cravings.
🪩 Vibe Check: All Green Lights
Whether you’re winding down or turning up, Hound’s Rest is the place to reconnect with fellow walkers, show off your favorite finds, and soak in every last drop of this epic day.
🥂 Final Toast:
This isn’t just a wine walk—it’s a full-blown Downtown takeover celebrating the best of Champaign. Whether you’re a local legend or new to the stroll, this is the day to shop small, sip big, and make memories.
🎟️ TICKETS: Still just $40—if you act now!
⏰ Check-In opens at 11:30 AM @ Cowboy Monkey with double the dose of pop ups
🍷 Wine is served 12–5 PM sharp
🐾 After Party at Hound’s Rest
This walk is your passport to discovering what makes Downtown Champaign magical. So grab your besties, bring your boldest outfit, and let’s raise a glass to all things local. 🍷💃