Making the rounds

EPHRATA — The Wine Walk will take over downtown Ephrata on Saturday, and it’s a good idea to get tickets online. 

“People wait (until) the last minute to make a decision,” said Rita Witte, director of the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the walk every year. “Don’t wait till the last minute, because getting the tickets at the door will cost an extra $10.” 

Tickets to the event are $50 if bought online, even the same day, Witte said, but once the doors open, it’s $60. That fee gets the walker a wine glass, a lanyard, a map of the stations, a list of beverages and a punch card that can be used at 14 downtown businesses for a wine sample at each one. The route starts at the Ephrata Recreation Center and loops along Basin Street between First Avenue Northwest and Third Avenue Southwest, finishing up again at the ERC. Participants must be 21 or older, according to the chamber’s website. 

Once tasters return to the ERC, there’s an after party, Witte said, with food, more drinks and live music. 

“We’ve got a potato bar; our potatoes are fresh out of the ground,” Witte said. “We have chili, and you can buy additional beverages inside the ERC, to drink at the ERC or to take home.” 

Coming in October, the Wine Walk is a natural place for costumes. Dressing up is encouraged, Witte said, but not necessary. Last year a group of seven came dressed as Henry VIII and his six wives, although all the queens’ heads were still attached, she said. 

“A few people dressed up in ‘Hocus Pocus’ costumes one year,” Witte said. “It was really cute.” 

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in a costume contest at the end of the event. 

For those who prefer to avoid the wine, there’s a special designated driver ticket, which includes a nonalcoholic drink from the Bookery and dinner at the after party. 

Lake City Blues will perform at the after party, Witte said, replacing The Basin Boys, who were originally scheduled but were unable to make it. 

“Lake City Blues played at Sage & Sun this year, and they were very good,” she said. 

The wines featured are mostly local wineries, including Chris Daniel Winery, Milbrandt Vineyards, Winchester Estate Winery and Gordon Estate Winery. 

The weather can be unpredictable in Ephrata in October, but even a little rain hasn’t stopped the party in the past, Witte said. 

“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “You can’t cancel it. People had umbrellas and they had good attitudes to warm them up.” 

In the past the event was an art and wine walk, but Witte said it was just too difficult to coordinate artists and after the COVID-19 pandemic the event settled into what it is today.  

“It really is a lot of fun,” she said. “The music is bound to be good, and the food is great. Get your tickets and come on in.” 

Wine Walk 

Oct. 19 

Wine tasting 4-7 p.m. 

Drinks, snacks and live music 5 p.m., food service 6-8:30 p.m. 

Costume contest winners announced at 7:30 p.m. 

Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW 

Tickets $50 online, $60 at the door. Designated drivers $30. 

Tickets are available at www.ephratachamber.org 

    Costumes aren’t necessary to enjoy the Wine Walk in Ephrata Saturday, but they do add to the fun, and there’s a contest for the best costume at the end of the evening.