Minimal ‘whining’ accompanied the Wine Walk

MT. PLEASANT — Light flurries floated through the air as friendly faces filled downtown Mt. Pleasant for the Whine About Winter Truffle Shuffle, Thursday evening.

After receiving small white boxes to hold their chocolaty treats, patrons’ partially frozen feet found their way from one welcoming shop to the next to get their fill of wine, truffles, and fun.

According to Main Street Mt. Pleasant Director Lisa Oetken, in previous years the Wine Walk did not include the Truffle Shuffle and took place a week earlier.

“Some of the retailers requested a later date, and the flower shop definitely needed a break after Valentine’s,” Oetken said.

Oetken saw a number of new faces as guests stopped at the Union Block to begin their journey through downtown.

A total of 21 businesses greeted the Wine Walk crowd.

Meraki Day Spa welcomed those that braved the chilly evening with three choices of wine, and a variety of chocolates.

“Chocolate wine, Stella Rosa sweet, and then a red Apothic dry,” Meraki Owner and Stylist Halee Lane shared. “The Chocolate wine is different. A lot of people haven't really tried it, and it's a lot better than a lot of people think.”

Doug and Carla Mener of Mt. Pleasant enjoyed the wine walk and took the opportunity to consider pairings and flavors between the different stops along the way.

“I used to work for an Italian company and was over in Italy, and my friend cooked some steak one evening, and the wine by itself is like, oh, my gosh, that's worse than whiskey,” Doug said. “But with the steak, with the dipping sauce for the bread, it just all blended so beautiful together.”

Carla found her favorite pairing for the evening at the Vintage Raven where they served Meade and Mississippi Mud Balls.

“People are coming in and enjoying mead, enjoying cats, and enjoying popcorn,” Vintage Raven Owner Same Riepe said.

Big River Popcorn’s shop popped with laughter and conversation as patrons enjoyed a plethora of wine samples from Ardon Creek Vineyard and Winery with Puppy Chow Popcorn.

According to co-owner of Big River Popcorn and Main Street board member Cody Flietner, Oetken asked each board member to contact a variety of wineries for the event.

“It just so happened I had Ardon Creek on my list,” Flietner said dressed in a bunch of grapes costume.

After communicating with Ardon Creek, Flietner knew he wanted them in Big River Popcorn.

“She just seemed very fun, so I was like, I want you at my shop,” he said. “She's rocking it out.”

When asked about her favorite wine, Wine Walker Josey Lomeli quickly replied, “Red 52. It's like Welch's grape.”

Despite the cold and flurries, Oetken labeled the event a success with a significant turn out.

According to Oetken, Main Street sold 50 tickets in advance and saw many more buy their tickets at the Union Block, Thursday evening.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com