Niwot businesses are happy to have you wine

Preparations for the fourth annual Let’s Wine About Winter event are underway. During this sometimes chilly, but warm-hearted social event, more than 28 businesses throughout Niwot will be serving up a little something from 1-5 pm, Saturday, Feb. 24 as patrons wander the town and enjoy public outdoor art, art galleries and culinary delights.

Ducking in and out of businesses, sipping on wines, brews and other beverages, snacking on cheeses, nuts and chocolates, and meeting old and new friends are among the objectives for the afternoon, along with showcasing culinary and visual arts in Niwot.

“Even people who live in Niwot may not know all of the businesses in town and what we have to offer here. Many new things have come to town and this is a good way to be exposed to them and learn what they do,” Michelle Henzel, co-organizer of the event on behalf of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, said.

Over 125 tickets have already been purchased for this year’s event, according to Henzel.

All of the enjoyment of the event also has the added benefit of giving back to the community. Money raised through ticket sales supports two Niwot Cultural Arts Association community gathering places – Whistle Stop Park and the Niwot Children’s Park.

Last year’s Let’s Wine About Winter profits of more than $5,000 went toward the purchase of lifts for the audio speakers at Whistle Stop Park and for maintenance expenses at the children’s park, including replenishing wood chips.

Funds raised from this year’s Let’s Wine About Winter are earmarked for improvements at Whistle Stop Park, including the construction of permanent stone pathways.

The afternoon of schmoozing, swigging, snacking and shopping costs $25 per person. Each ticket holder becomes a member of the Let’s Wine About Winter Club, takes home their own commemorative mug, and receives a $10 coupon that may be redeemed at participating businesses.

Co-organizers and originators of the NCAA event, Henzel (office manager of Osmosis Gallery) and Anne Postle, owner of the Osmosis Gallery, bring together the afternoon’s happenings which has attracted more than 200 attendees.

Henzel said, “Last year’s event was great. It was the biggest turnout we’ve had and it raised the most money so far. Everybody was having a wonderful time – all of the patrons and at the businesses too. We are looking forward to that again this year and appreciate the involvement of the community and the businesses. They all make it such a special event!”

Participating Let’s Wine About Winter businesses are located at the Cottonwood Square Shopping Center and in downtown Niwot, along Second Avenue. Each location will be offering warmth along with one or more of the following: wine, beer, beverages and snacks.

Tickets may be purchased in advance by going to http://www.Niwot.com, under the events tab, and clicking on the Let’s Wine About Winter logo or going to www.Eventbrite.com. Tickets are also available prior to the day of the event at Osmosis Gallery at 290 Second Ave.

The day of the event, each participant starts their wining and walking experience at Niwot Real Estate, 7915 Niwot Rd, where they will pick up a wristband, a commemorative mug, and a coupon. Additional tickets may also be purchased at this location on the day of the event.

For more information, contact Osmosis Gallery at 303-652-2668, mhenzel@osmosisarchitecture.com.