Wine Share
There’s an event in Joplin that’s redefining happy hour.
It’s called First Friday Wine Share, and it’s a multitasker’s dream. This event offers a chance to network with other business professionals in town while sampling various wines and craft beer.
Work and play on a Friday afternoon?
Count me in!
Now what exactly is this Wine Share thing?
First Friday Wine Share is an event that’s already established in many cities across the country and has a set structure. Each month, a different business hosts the event on the first Friday, usually around 6:00 p.m. Having the event at rotating locations allows people to get a peek inside the many types of businesses and attractions that we have in the area.
Sometimes Wine Share will be held at properties that are for sale, making it a really cool open house for a potential business.
The initial Joplin First Friday Wine Share was hosted in March 2015 by Janine and Alan Caldwell, who owned Gourmet’s, a fantastic kitchen and gourmet foods store that has since closed (sniff, sniff).
Janine and Alan had participated in a Wine Share when they lived in Grove, Oklahoma. They watched the event grow from just a few people to dozens. They saw potential for this event in Joplin, and met with Downtown Joplin Alliance to get the ball rolling in Joplin.
What did we do at the very first Joplin Wine Share?
First, my husband Travis and I added our bottle of wine to the others at the beverage table.
The event guidelines suggest spending $20 or less for a bottle, and bringing one bottle for every two people (so people don’t overindulge).
For those who don’t drink wine, craft beer is also welcome. See the chocolate ale on the left side of the table? Now, I normally wouldn’t think to order something like that, but because someone brought it that night, I was able to sample it. It was really interesting – a good interesting.
I also brought an appetizer, although it wasn’t mandatory. But, hey, I love to cook so I got giddy at the chance to make something for people other than those who are tied to me by DNA.
The event guidelines suggest bringing your own wine glass – the more creative, the better. Not only are unique glasses easier to keep track of, they also act as great conversation starters.
Since Gourmet’s sold a wide selection of wine glasses, Travis and I selected these, which will henceforth be deemed our “First Friday Wine Share Glasses.”
We mingled and chatted and nibbled and sipped. I met some ladies who had just moved to town, so I talked to them about this blog and passed out my business cards while we sipped some vino.
Networking is fun!.
What do you think?
Will I see you at the next Wine Share?
For questions about Wine Share, or if you’re interested in hosting this event at your business, click here.
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Living Life to The Fullest!
I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.
