Wine Walk benefits UWSC

Wine poured as the temperatures soared Saturday, May 21, at the revamped Montrose Wine Walk that had attendees exploring shops and sights throughout the downtown area.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival and flower crowns returned with the format that spread wineries, vendors and live music from the Montrose Green to South Main Street. The Montrose Wine Walk benefits the United Way of Susquehanna County.

Wine Walk Committee Chair Tom Follert said this year’s festival drew more than 1,000 attendees with many more non-drinking spectators.

Follert said, “The committee and the United Way of Susquehanna County is grateful for the cooperation of the local shop owners to help bring back the event with a focus on making the Wine Walk more inclusive of the wonderful shops we already have and helping to share the load of supporting our talented vendors and wineries!”

“We’ve heard lots of positive feedback about the new format, including from local businesses,” Follert said. “And of course, we have heard the problems, too.”

Follert said the UWSC and the Wine Walk committee will look to address concerns as planning begins for the 2023 festival.

All event proceeds will help fund United Way’s programs for Susquehanna County residents provided in partnership with Interfaith, CEO Weinberg Regional Food Bank, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Susquehanna County Library, Women’s Resource Center, Maternal and Family Health Services, Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium, 4-H and the 211 Helpline.

In addition, event proceeds will help pay for United Way’s signature programs including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Real Men Read, Nurse’s Pantry, and Rested and Ready new bed program for school-aged children.