By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Saturday evening saw clear skies and, in Montrose, hundreds armed with wine glasses and swag bags ready to take part in the Montrose Wine Walk.

The twice-annual Wine Walk has become a welcome tradition for merchants and participants. Members of the La Crescenta Woman’s Club welcomed ticketholders, handing out swag bags that included tickets for tastes of various wines from the dozens of local shops taking part in the festivities. The bag also held the all-important map showing ticketholders spots to find pours.

“Our Spring Wine Walk was well received by our merchants even though the number of Wine Walkers was somewhat lighter due to spring break,” said Dale Dawson, business administrator/events coordinator for the Montrose Shopping Park Assn., which oversaw the event. “New participants included recently opened Paradis Ice Cream at 2209 Honolulu Ave. and just-opened Pedal Spin Studio at 2277 Honolulu Ave. A total of 29 businesses participated.” 

One of the participating businesses was Once Upon A Time (OUAT) bookstore. Owner Maureen Palacios said the store has participated in all part one Wine Walk since the first Walk back before the pandemic.

“We weren’t sure the children’s bookstore should be pouring wine,” said Palacios with a smile. “But then [neighbor] Cindy from Twigs & Things told us how many folks came into her store (over 100) that very first Wine Walk. We thought it might be a great opportunity to showcase what unique products and fun books we have – so we have joined in the fun.” 

Ticketholders on Saturday night were treated to the talents of Brent Beaty, who poured wine that he chose for the evening for the bookstore. Beaty is a retired local high school teacher and took on the role of bartender, raconteur and “general cheerleader” for the Wine Walk.

“He was assisted by his daughter Carolyn, who is a San Francisco sommelier and a former bookstore manager at OUAT, as well as the good folks from Rossi Wine Shop in Montrose,” added Palacios. “We are delighted in the new customers we get and the general feeling that Montrose Shopping Park has so much to offer.”

In addition to the pours and local shopping, guests were treated to musical ensembles throughout the shopping park.

“The Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums group made a surprise appearance,” said Dawson.

The Holiday Wine Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9.

Photos by Cindy CHARLES and Robin GOLDSWORTHY