for immediate release

Sample Wine and Beer in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Wednesdays, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 12 and 26

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (April 16, 2009)—During Grapes & Hops, taste fine wines or brews amid the summer bounty of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden on Wednesdays, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 12, and 26. During this celebration of grapes and hops, guests can stroll through an arbor covered with red and white grape vines, and sample various beers and wines. Professionals will be available to share their knowledge of what to look for when choosing beer or wine. Chefs will demonstrate creative ways to incorporate or pair the tasted beverages with food. Complimentary light fare (cheese, crackers, vegetable crudités and dips) will be provided.

Event hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $8. Visitors must be 21 or older to attend. Free admission to designated drivers. Ticket packages are available. Ticket-holders receive a 10 percent discount at the Garden Grille on the night of the event. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be exchanged. This event is held rain or shine. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Chicago Botanic Garden Trolley will operate between the Garden and the Glencoe Metra station during event hours. Round-trip tickets are $2; Garden members and children 5 and under ride free.

Grapes & Hops is sponsored by Terlato Wines International, Goose Island Beer Company, and Whole Foods. For more information, visit www.chicagobotanic.org/grapeshops.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.