6th Annual
Downtown Champaign Wine Walk
When
Saturday, May 30, 2026
12 PM – 5 PM
Where
Check-in is at Farren’s at the Inman, tastings will be at multiple locations throughout Downtown Champaign.
Price
$40/ ticket
Mist be 21+ with valid photo ID
YOUR TASTE TOUR BEGINS HERE
Sip, stroll, and shop your way through Downtown Champaign as we take your palate on a journey around the globe. The Wine Walk brings a world-class selection of wines, curated by Punch! Bar & Lounge and Big Grove Tavern, to the charming streets and shops you love, with each pour offering a taste of a different corner of the world. Whether you reach for reds or whites, there is something for every palate and plenty of reasons to make a full afternoon of it.
And the wine is just the beginning. Between tastings, discover the businesses that make Downtown Champaign worth exploring. Follow the map at your own pace, pop into shops you’ve never tried, and let the afternoon unfold naturally. Grab your tasting cup, follow the map, and explore at your own pace!
Organized by Champaign Center Partnership, and presented by Royse + Brinkmeyer Apartments, this event promises a perfect afternoon of wine, community, and local flavor.
Tickets are $40 and attendees must be 21+ with a valid photo ID. Cheers!
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Volunteering at the Downtown Wine Walk offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community while supporting a vibrant local event.
As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the event runs smoothly, from assisting with check-ins to guiding attendees through the various wine tasting stations. It’s a chance to meet new people, enjoy the lively atmosphere of downtown, and contribute to a memorable experience for all participants.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to give back, your involvement will make a significant difference in the success of the Wine Walk.
Wine pourers are required to complete BASSET certification, and all certified volunteers will be reimbursed for the training. Plus, every volunteer will receive a special thank-you gift!
Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
The event is on Saturday, May 31st from 12-5pm. The event starts at 12pm. Ticket-holders can check-in from 11:30am to 2pm. The event ends at 5pm.
Wine tastings will occur at 11 different locations around downtown:
Big Grove Tavern
Furniture Lounge
Jane Addams Books
Live Action Games
Martinelli’s Market
Mother Ghost
PACA
Springer Cultural Center
Suzu’s Bakery
Ten Thousand Villages
WEFT
Ticket-holders will receive their tickets via email after it is purchased. Attendee check-in will occur on May 31st between 11:30am and 2pm. At check-in, event staff will inspect your ticket and valid ID. Ticket-holders will receive a wine walk map and guide, a bracelet, and a reusable plastic tasting cup. After that, you can visit any and all tasting locations until 5pm.
All public street-level meters and parking lots and the parking deck is FREE on Saturday. Here is a list of parking locations:
No. Tickets are only available for advance purchase because there is a limited number of wine available during the event.
No. Acceptable ID’s include the following:
- A valid current driver’s license or photo ID card issued by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office or any other State
- Avalid Armed Forces ID
- A valid U.S. passport or foreign passport (with U.S. travel visa) containing the holder’s photograph.
We will feature 11+ different wines, a mix of whites, reds and sparkling from around the world including some from the US. We will announce the complete list of wines closer to the event date.
No. All wine tastings must be consumed on premises at the participating tasting locations.
No. All wine tastings occur inside but in different locations. Be prepared to bring umbrellas or rain jackets if it rains because you will have to walk outside to different locations. We will not cancel unless there is a major act of God.
Yes. Please contact us before May 28th via email info@champaigncenter.com if you need to request a refund. We cannot refund the transaction fees (3-4%), but we can offer a full refund of the ticket price ($30.00).
SPONSORS
