Flights of Fancy merges wine tastings, shopping discounts

Flights of Fancy, downtown New Haven’s wine-tasting and shopping event, returns 4–8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31.

The event — which features in-store wine tastings, discounts, and giveaways at over 25 downtown shops — is sponsored by The Wine Thief and The Study Hotel at Yale, and presented by the shops at Yale. The event is organized by the Town Green Special Services District and Yale University Properties.

During Flights of Fancy, participants sample fine wines provided by The Wine Thief (181 Crown St.) and receive 20% off item at participating stores in the Broadway and Chapel shopping districts. Kings of Harmony will perform live music on Chapel Street, and Bob Riccio will perform cool jazz at throughout the evening at The Study Hotel at Yale, 1157 Chapel St.

Participants check in at The Study Hotel between 4 and 7 p.m. before setting out for the participating shops. At 8:15 p.m., attendees return to the hotel for Willoughby’s coffee, dessert from Insomnia Cookies, and a grand prize drawing for a complimentary stay for two at The Study Hotel at Yale.

The fee of $15 includes a Flights of Fancy wine glass, a map of participating shops, entry into the grand-prize drawing, validated parking at the York Street Garage (150 York St.), coffee, and dessert.

The event is limited to the first 700 registrants, and reservations are encouraged. Click here to RSVP for the event.

Participating merchants include:  Agabhumi, Anchor Restaurant, Ashley’s Ice Cream, Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Yale, Campus Customs, Celtica, Claire’s Corner Copia, Denali, derek simpson… goldsmith, Enclave, Enson’s, Froyoworld, GANT, Hull’s Art Supply & Framing, idiom, J. Press, Jack, Wills, Laila Rowe, Origins, Peter Indorf Jewelers, Shen, Ten Thousand Villages, Tomatillo, Tracy b, Trailblazer, Wave Gallery, Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, Yorkside Pizza, and Yurway Designs.

Photo via Shutterstock.