Grape-Stomping Fun Part of Historical Society Fundraiser
Plans are in place for the Eagle River Historical Society's (ERHS) big summer event and fundraiser which will take on a new look for 2025.
ERHS Executive Director Vito Bortolotti said that traditionally, the society holds a 1920s-themed gathering at Eagle Waters Resort but is switching it up this time around. "This year will have no formal theme, but loads more activities than in years past," he said.
The event slated for Sunday, July 20, includes wine tastings, dinner and even a grape stomp at Bortolotti's Cin Cin in Eagle River. This year's joint fundraiser will not only benefit ERHS to help cover operating costs but also Northland Pines music students.
From 2 to 5 p.m. at Cin Cin, guests will have the chance to sample six different wines, and learn what goes into winemaking while trying their hand (or feet, in this case) at grape-stomping. A silent auction raffle will be held every hour at the top of the hour until 5 p.m. The first 75 tickets purchase will also receive an engraved wine glass.
"During the first half of the event, between stomping grapes and sampling wine with your friends, we have Bocce Ball available and other lawn games, alongside live bands all day," Bortolotti said. "Five dollars from every ticket purchased from this part of the event will go to support the Northland Pines Music Boosters and Northland Pines High School music students."
The second portion of the event goes from 5 to 8 p.m. and will offer a lemon Dijon chicken dinner followed by a live auction. Proceeds will go toward operating costs of the museum, which is different from the society's ongoing capital campaign for a new Heritage Center, Bortolotti noted.
"At the dinner, guests can bid on trips to Duluth, Minn. and Door County, tickets for Brewers vs. Cardinals, ATV rentals and pontoon rides for Manitowish Waters and Three Lakes, and much more. We will also be having a silent basket raffle as well which will be announced in the latter half of the evening, but tickets can be purchased throughout the event," he added.
Those looking to purchase tickets can opt in for the first round of activities which include the wine tasting and grape stomping for $40; the second portion of the evening where dinner is served and the live auction takes place for $45, or make it an all-day event with tickets to both for a discounted rate of $80.
"This event is meant to be a semi-casual way for people to enjoy a summer afternoon in July and support two great organizations in the community, but also sip on some wine and have a good time listening to music," Bortolotti said. In addition to the activities planned, live music will take place throughout the day with performances by Cool Hat and Chuck Lange.
Physical tickets can be purchased in-person at either of the ERHS' museums, located on Highway 45 S and Railroad Street downtown, or at Bortolotti's Cin Cin just north of Eagle River on Bluebird Lane, or they can also be bought digitally online.
