By Liz Moomey

liz.moomey@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — In its seventh year, organizers of Wine About Winter have found the right formula for success, says Downtown Salisbury Inc. Board Member Gianni Moscardini.

Wine About Winter allows participants to stop at various downtown retailers and restaurants to get a taster of wine and browse. The event is 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Larissa Harper, DSI director, said Wine About Winter gives exposure to downtown businesses and attractions and is a fundraising opportunity for their nonprofit to host future events, including next year’s Wine About Winter.

“We have helped expose people from all over the region of what we have in downtown Salisbury and created a fun exciting night,” Harper said.

Year after year, it has grown. This year, there are 56 businesses participating, and Downtown Salisbury Inc. expects 1,500 tickets to be sold. With two weeks left until the event, more than 700 tickets have already been sold. Last year, DSI sold 1,000 tickets.

There are a record number of participating businesses this year, including Morgan Ridge at Cemetery and N. Lee streets, the Salisbury Business Center at Bank and S. Main streets and along Innes Street from Depot Street to Church Street. Trolleys will be available for participants to hop on to travel to different locations.

Wines are selected by the Salisbury Wine Shop. Bob and Stephanie Potter, the owners, go through a four-month process of tasting and choosing specific wines for the participating businesses that fit their personality. Restaurants that have a permit will supply their own wine, including Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery & Eatery.

The Potters also consider wine names or wine labels that match the business.

“If they like it, it’s more fun for them to talk about,” Stephanie Potter said.

One year for 3 jems boutique, Bob Potter said, they chose a 3 Girls wine.

“They put a lot of thought into the variety of wine and make sure each location has something that fits its atmosphere,” Harper said.

The Potters also consider a balance of having whites, reds, sweet and dry wines scattered throughout downtown. Each wine will have a blurb of information about it.

At the Salisbury Wine Shop, the Potters will be pouring El Jefe Grande Tempranillo, a Spanish wine that is made through natural fermentation. Stephanie Potter said the wine is unique because it adds its own yeast — not created in stainless steel tank or barrel — and will be easier for her to explain.

Participants are given a map of all the locations in downtown Salisbury along with a souvenir wine glass and a wine carrying bag. They can go to 20 businesses to try a sampling of wine, a one-ounce taster.

All participants must be 21 year old or older and will required to show a photo I.D. when checking in or purchasing tickets at the event. They will be given a wristband.

Tickets are $22.50 per person in advance and $30 on event day. Tickets can be purchased online at downtownsalisburync.com/events/wine-about-winter-2020, on Facebook or through Eventbrite. Tickets are also available at City Hall on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m for purchase with a card or cash. No checks will be accepted.

Moscardini said Wine About Winter gives exposure to downtown Salisbury. The goal for downtown retailers is participants taste the wine and then they start to browse and buy.

“The business owners seem to really enjoy the crowd it brings in,” Harper said. “People are looking for a fun night on the town and to do some shopping.”

Harper said businesses also see people returning to downtown Salisbury after the event. Restaurants see an increase in customers coming to eat before or after Wine About Winter or who take a break from the wine tasting.

Wine About Winter goes on no matter the weather.

“It helps that it’s a fun winter heartwarming kind of event when it can brutal outside,” she said.