Wine Walk continues to grow

MT. PLEASANT — Tuesday evening Henry County Conservation hosted another successful Wine Walk in the Woods event at Oakland Mills.

The event was headed by the conservation’s naturalist Danika Cox.

“The wine walk went very well and the feedback I received about the event was all positive,” Cox said. “Participation was slightly higher this year then the previous year so hopefully next year that trend will continue.”

“I think event was bigger than last year,” business participant and owner at Country Home Couture Samantha Freeman said. “People seemed really excited to be out and the weather was perfect!”

The event consisted of tables from various local businesses with wine, purchasable goods, some activities, and friendly faces.

“I would like to give a huge thank you the businesses that made this event possible: Wooden Wheel Vineyards, ISU Extension, Bronton Taxidermy, Country Home Couture, Sipology, U.S. Cellular, Mulberry Original, and Old Threshers,” Cox said.

Overall, the event was well received by both the attendees and those serving, including home wine brewer Tony Brown.

“It went very well,” Brown said. “My wife and I hosted a total of 61 people in the nature center and served a gallon of homemade Concord grape semi-sweet wine."

“We want to encourage people to get out into nature,” Conservation Director Caleb Waters said.

The event did not only that, but also raised funds to support the educational live animal display at Oakland Mills.

“We had a free will donation bucket set out which was very successful,” Cox said. “All donations will go directly to the live animal fund here at the park to help us feed and care for our education animals.”

“Overall, we had beautiful weather and a wonderful turnout,” she said. “We hope to do it bigger and better next year!”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com