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This Saturday, from 11AM to 6PM, and Sunday, from noon to 5PM, historic Downtown Utica's Canal Market will be hosting a special Vintage Illinois wine tasting and shopping event, with10+ fan favorite wineries in attendance. Unlike the larger installments of the Vintage Illinois Wine Fest, there is no admission fee to this event. However, if you'd like to participate in tastings, you will need to purchase tickets from the Vintage Illinois booth. $5 will get you ten tasting tickets, redeemable for 1/2 ounce tastes. Limit ten tasting tickets per legal-aged adult. You'll also be able to purchase bottles from these vendors, guests are encouraged to bring their own bags or carts to carry their purchases.
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The Canal Market (sponsored by the LaSalle County Historical Society) is a weekly artisan market celebrating all things antique, collectible, homemade and home grown! The Market takes place in the heart of downtown Utica, right next to the popular LaSalle County Historical Society Museum, along the banks of the I&M canal. In addition to the Vintage Illinois booth, you'll find other talented makers and artisans, many selling wine-themed merchandise and accessories. Thanks to the village of North Utica, the nearby Carey Memorial Park, located just a block west of the Canal Market, has been reserved for the many wonderful Illinois wine vendors from across Illinois. This event space will allow for ample social distance, and retain the relaxed open-air setting that fans of Vintage Illinois have come to know and love.
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Visitors can also indulge at Utica's own August Hill Winery Tasting Room, located just across the street from the Canal Market. This sophisticated tasting room offers a selection of award winning, locally produced, wines. Best of all, their line of sparkling wines are produced with grapes grown right here in Starved Rock Country. Enjoy a glass of August Hill's award-winning Berlyn Red, or share a wine flight with your fellow festival attendees on August Hill's al fresco patio. This year's Vintage Illinois will not feature any music or outdoor seating areas, this is a farmers market-style event open for browsing. To stay in accordance with social distance guidelines, guests are encourage to take their purchases, and possibly a picnic from one of Utica's amazing restaurants, to a nearby state park to enjoy your spoils away from the crowds! You'll find ample parking throughout Utica, but you will need to walk a short distance from the Canal market to the event site.
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