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North Canton Chamber plans wine, whiskey event

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 6:36 GMT by The Repository
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North Canton Chamber Plans a Sophisticated Wine‑and‑Whiskey Soirée to Boost Local Business and Community Spirit

On Thursday, the North Canton Chamber of Commerce unveiled plans for a high‑profile “Wine & Whiskey Evening” aimed at uniting the city’s small‑business leaders, artisans, and residents in a single, tasteful gathering. Scheduled for December 7, 2025, at the historic First National Bank Auditorium, the event promises a curated tasting of five local wines and four premium whiskeys, accompanied by a live jazz band, interactive workshops, and a silent auction benefiting the North Canton Community Food Bank.

The Chamber’s President, Michelle R. Allen, explained that the event is part of a broader initiative to “foster economic growth while celebrating the unique flavors of our region.” “North Canton has long been known for its thriving manufacturing and service sectors,” Allen said, “but we also have a vibrant network of distilleries, vineyards, and craft breweries that deserve recognition. By bringing them together, we hope to create new business opportunities and strengthen community ties.”

Key Highlights

1. Local Producers Showcase – Five boutique wineries—Miller’s Creek, Lakeview Vineyards, The Grape Harvest, Maple Grove Estate, and St. Lawrence Winery—will each present a signature wine. Four whiskey distilleries—Highland Spirits, Riverbend Distillery, Blacksmith Reserve, and Walnut Oak Distillery—will offer tasting flights of their flagship products, from peated single malts to smooth grain bourbons. All participating vendors will be members of the Chamber’s “Craft Spirits Coalition,” which began in 2023 to promote local distilling ventures.

2. Interactive Workshops – Throughout the evening, small groups will rotate through stations where seasoned winemakers and distillers will give hands‑on tutorials. Topics range from “The Art of Barrel Aging” to “Pairing Spirits with Seasonal Cuisine.” These sessions are designed to provide networking opportunities for local restaurateurs and hospitality professionals.

3. Silent Auction and Community Fund – Proceeds from the silent auction—featuring signed wine bottles, private distillery tours, and a weekend getaway to the nearby Blue Ridge Resort—will be donated to the North Canton Community Food Bank. The Chamber’s marketing team estimates the auction could raise $25,000, surpassing last year’s $18,000 benchmark.

4. Live Entertainment – The evening’s soundtrack will be provided by the North Canton Jazz Ensemble, which has been a staple at Chamber events since 2019. Their set will feature classics such as “Take Five” and “All Blues,” complemented by a DJ mixing contemporary hits to keep the atmosphere lively.

5. Sustainability Commitment – In line with the Chamber’s Green Business Initiative, the event will employ biodegradable cups and a “no‑plastic” policy. Participants will be encouraged to bring reusable glasses, and a designated recycling station will be placed at the venue’s entrance.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

The Chamber has secured sponsorships from several local enterprises: - North‑Canton Bank is providing financial sponsorship and will host a booth featuring its community banking services. - Canton County Health Department is partnering to offer a wellness corner, providing attendees with educational brochures on responsible alcohol consumption. - Canton Community College will host a career‑development panel on the evening’s after‑party, inviting students and alumni to explore opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Community Reaction

Early reactions from local business leaders have been overwhelmingly positive. John McKay, owner of the Canton Café, praised the Chamber’s efforts, saying, “Events like this bring people together and highlight the best of what our city has to offer. I’m excited to see how it will elevate our local brand.”

Meanwhile, members of the North Canton Chamber of Commerce expressed enthusiasm about the potential for cross‑industry collaboration. “When a vintner meets a distiller, a restaurateur hears about a new supplier, and a marketer learns about an upcoming promotion,” Allen noted. “It’s a win‑win for everyone.”

Future Outlook

The Chamber’s leadership anticipates that the Wine & Whiskey Evening will set a precedent for future themed events. “We’re already looking ahead to a Summer “Sips & Bites” festival featuring craft beers and artisanal foods,” Allen revealed. “Our goal is to create a calendar of events that keeps North Canton at the forefront of the region’s cultural and economic landscape.”

How to Attend

Tickets are limited to 200 guests, and pre‑registration is required through the Chamber’s official website (https://www.cantonrep.com/chamber/events). The cost per ticket is $60, which includes two tasting flights, one dinner plate featuring seasonal local ingredients, and a complimentary wine glass engraved with the Chamber’s emblem. Those who wish to sponsor or host a booth can also register through the website’s “Sponsorship Opportunities” section.

Additional Resources

• North Canton Chamber of Commerce – https://www.northcantonchamber.org
• Craft Spirits Coalition – https://www.craftspiritscoalition.org
• North Canton Jazz Ensemble – https://www.northcantonjazz.com
• Canton Community Food Bank – https://www.cantonfoodbank.org

The upcoming Wine & Whiskey Evening promises to be a landmark event for North Canton, blending business, culture, and community generosity in one unforgettable evening. As the city prepares to welcome a distinguished roster of local producers and patrons, it also sets the stage for a new era of collaboration and local pride.