UPCOMING EVENTS
DJ Parties | Tastings | Live Music |
DJ Parties | Tastings | Live Music |
A Night of Boleros: Guitar & Vocals with Johnny Martinez
Join us for a special evening of Spanish guitar and other romantic classics.
No cover.
Avaasi Jewelry Design Event
Join local Highwood business owner, artist, and designer Asia Borycka of Avaasi Jewelry for a beautiful evening of jewelry making and wine sipping. Perfect for a great girls’ night out activity or a fun mom/daughter outing!
6-8pm | $65 per person includes:
one glass of wine
all materials to make your choice of: 2 stretch bracelets or 1 necklace with lobster clasp + extender. Materials include freshwater pearls, curated beads, and semi-precious stones. Add 14k gold-filled components for an extra charge.
personal instruction by Asia
Take your jewelry home that night!
Beautiful, handmade designs by Asia will also be available for purchase.
Woven Memories: A Guided Art Experience Honoring Dia de Los Muertos
$35/per person
Price includes: one glass of wine, guided instruction, and all art materials
Join us for a beautiful evening of remembrance, gratitude, love, and expression as we honor our dearly departed through connection and art.
In partnership with Art Impact Project, a local nonprofit enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression, this guided art experience invites us to slow down, connect, and explore the themes of remembrance, gratitude, love, and connection at the heart of Día de los Muertos.
Inspired by the beauty and symbolism of the ofrenda and its meaningful elements, participants will explore how memories and stories connect our past and present through the creative process.
No art experience is required. Come as you are and create in a welcoming, supportive setting.
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival
Look for our white canopy and bar out front. Streetside, patio, or indoor seating options! We will be open:
Thurs. Oct.1st 4-9pm
Fri. Oct. 2nd 4-10pm
Sat. Oct. 3rd 12-10pm
Sun. Oct. 4th 12-9pm
Puglian Pairing
Puglian Pairing
Puglia is the sunny region in southern Italy that forms the “heel” of the country’s boot formation. It is known for its fruit-forward, red wines. Boasting a hot, sunny Mediterranean climate with low rainfall, allows Puglian grapes to achieve high ripeness and elevated alcohol levels.
Join us for a pairing of four Puglian varietals paired with small plates curated by Chef Felipe Toro featuring the flavors of Puglian cuisine.
Saturday, 9/26
5-7pm
$55
Designed To Pair: Design Week Wrap Party
DESIGN WEEK WRAP PARTY
September 18
5-7pm
We are wrapping up Highwood Design Week 2026 (presented by the Highwood Chamber of Commerce) with our Designed to Pair event, where guests will choose between four popular wine varietals - sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon. Each varietal will be paired with complementary bites & flavors that pair perfectly with your choice.
Admittance and bites are free; wines and any other beverages must be purchased. Registration to attend is required as space is limited.
Baja California Pairing x Pixca SOLD OUT
Valle de Guadalupe in Baja, California, is one of the world’s premier wine regions due to its Mediterranean microclimate, cooling Pacific breezes, and rich granitic soils, which create ideal conditions for diverse grape varietials.
Join us as we sample four of these wines, paired with small plates curated by local Highland Park Chef-Owner Fernando Angelina of Pixca in Highland Park.
Thursday, September 10th
6-8pm
$55 per person
NASHWOOD
Nashville meets Highwood in this Labor Day weekend long festival!
We will be open all weekend (inside and on the patio - weather permitting). Come enjoy our signature cocktails such as the Merchant Manhattan, Pope of Highwood, Mezcalita, Mezcaloma, as well as THC drinks, bourbon pours, imported beers, wine, and more! Live music acts as listed - no admission fees.
Basque Pairing
August 20
6-8pm
$55 per person
BASQUE PAIRING
Basque in the flavors of Northern Spain
The Basque Country is a cultural and historic region straddling the western Pyrenees mountains along the Bay of Biscay, encompassing parts of northern Spain and southwestern France.
Basque region wine is famous for Txakoli, a crisp, low-alcohol, light, sparkling white wine, alongside robust red wines from the Rioja Alavesa sub-region.
Join us for a small plate pairing crafted by Felipe Toro, executive chef of up-and-coming Chicago restaurant, Chloe, as we taste and explore the flavors and varietals that make this region unique.
Pinot Noir Pairing
Come join us for an exclusive pinot noir tasting of this most beautiful of varietals. Small plate food pairings will be provided by Highwood local and North Shore personal chef, Arianna of Hirsch Catering.
August 13
6-8pm
$55/per person
Pinot Noir Pairing
“It's a hard grape to grow, as you know. It's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it's neglected.
No, Pinot needs constant care and attention. And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh its flavors, they're just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and... ancient on the planet.”
— Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti), Sideways
White Party on the Patio
Join us for our
Day White Party
on Our Patio
Wear your best summer whites and come enjoy! We’ll be highlighting summer daytime cocktails such as mimosas, bellinis, vodka/tequila lemonades and our signature mezcalitas, mezcalomas & mezcalpiñas.
The event will be outside on our patio, to the left of our entrance towards the back. Look for the white bar and see you there!
No cover!
Lambrusco Elevated - SOLD OUT
Lambrusco Elevated
Forget everything you think you know about Lambrusco.
Prepare to discover a fresh perspective on one of Italy's most misunderstood wines.
Beyond the familiar sweet, fizzy reds lies one of Italy's most versatile and food-friendly wine styles. Produced in a range of expressions—from bone-dry and delicately sparkling to richly textured and deeply savory—Lambrusco offers remarkable complexity and character.
In Lambrusco Elevated, we'll explore four distinct bottlings that showcase the incredible diversity of this historic wine. Paired with select small plates, each course highlights a different side of Lambrusco, proving that these wines deserve a place at the table far beyond the aperitivo.
Thursday, July 23
6-8pm
$50/per person
Sip & Sea Albariňo Pairing - SOLD OUT
SIP & SEA: Albariño Pairing
Summer invites us to the coast, where salty breezes mingle with the scent of the sea and every meal feels a little more leisurely.
Albariño captures that same seaside spirit—bright, crisp, and refreshing, with vibrant citrus notes, delicate stone fruit, and a distinctive mineral edge. Its natural freshness and coastal character make it the perfect companion for celebrating the flavors of summer.
Join us for small plates curated by Emilio’s Tapas, paired with Albariño from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, and the state of Washington.
$50/per person
Red, White & Bubbly Brunch
We’re celebrating 250 years of our nation’s Independence!
Join us for an American wine pairing, featuring wines from Oregon, Washington & California. These will be paired with brunchy bites curated by local, personal chef, Arianna of Hirsch’s North Shore Catering.
Come for food & fun, stay to kick off your Saturday evening.
Evening Gourmet in the Park
Every Wednesday night this summer from
June 3 - August 26
4:30 - 9PM
Join us across the street from our space in Everts Park. Come for the food and the live music, stay for our offerings - imported beers, wines by the glass, THC, canned sparkling Italian wine, and our specialty cocktails, Mezcalomas & Mezcalitas. Look for the black & white booth and our private seating on the lawn behind our bar. See you there!
A Night in Portugal Wine & Food Pairing
WINE MENU
Baga Novo 2023
Frei João Tinto 2020
*Wines will be paired with a curated menu crafted by ēma executive chef, Donny Farrell.
An evening with Rita Pinto of Caves São João | Bairrada, Portugal
There’s more to Portuguese wine than port. Did you know…
Portugal has the highest number of indigenous grape varieties in Europe, and boasts the world's oldest demarcated wine region, established in 1756?
You’re invited to come expand your palate as well as your wine education with Rita Pinto. Inspired by her grandfather, a wine producer, Rita developed an early fascination with the complexity of winemaking and the stories behind every bottle. She began her career in Alentejo, later expanding to Lisbon, and ultimately Bairrada, where she deepened her knowledge of Portugese wine.
Wednesday, May 20
6:00-8:00 PM
$60/per person
Joey Acopiado Live Acoustic Solo Performance
Our fan favorite musician is back for another live acoustic solo set at The Merchant on 5/15 from 7-10pm
No Cover
Rosé Soirée
Rosé Soirée Pairing
Calling all rosé wine lovers, date night couples, girls night out-ers, and those wanting something fun to celebrate for the week leading up to Mother’s Day.
Join us as we indulge in four varietals of rosé from around the world (not just France but Portugal, Spain, Greece, and more), along with seasonal, small plate pairings.
Let’s toast to spring and to rosé all day!
May 7th @ 6pm
$40/per person
New! AVEC x Merchant Wine Pairing - SOLD OUT
AVEC Wine & Food Pairing
Due to popular demand we are collaborating once more with AVEC in anticipation of their arrival to Highwood this summer.
Join us to enjoy small bites from AVEC paired with four of our international wines.
SPILL SESSIONS with Patricia Kara: A Highwood Chamber of Commerce Event
Video courtesy of Payton Carter Media
Odyssey: A Greek Wine & Culinary Journey - SOLD OUT
Join us for a special evening as we take a tour through Greece’s regional wines and food.
Did you know that ancient Greeks pioneered, documented, and spread viticulture across the Mediterranean to Italy, France & Spain? Greece has over 300 native wine varietals. Not even Dionysus can tackle all of that in one night, so we will be sampling four, more well-known varietals, such as Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko. These will be paired with a small plate sampling of classic Greek foods to enhance the flavor.
$40/per person
The Art of Agave: Mezcal & Tequila Pairing
The Art of Agave
Join us for this unique, curated, educational evening of tequila and mezcal tastings as we explore the richness and versatility of the agave plant, the source for both of these fine spirits.
Guests will sample Mezcal Transcandente Ensemble Blend, Mezcal Patatus, and two of the most prestigious, sought-after clean tequilas in the world: Fortaleza Blanco, and G4 Reposado.
$50/per person
avec x merchant bubbles & food pairing - SOLD OUT
We’re adding another AVEC pairing since the last one sold out so quickly! Due to popular demand we are collaborating once more with AVEC in anticipation of their arrival to Highwood this summer. Join us to enjoy small bites from AVEC paired with four of our international sparkling wines from: Spain, Portugal, France & Italy.
$40/per person
Taste of Italy Food & Wine Pairing - SOLD OUT
St. Patrick, who?!
Come celebrate St. Joseph’s Day
at The Merchant
We’re celebrating St. Joseph’s Day in Highwood… a town established by Italians since the early 1900s, and deeply rooted in Italian culture.
Guests will enjoy prosecco, white Falanghina, and red varietals such as Nero Mascalese, and Sangiovese. Food pairings will include Italian olives, cheese, ravioli, meatballs, and of course, zeppole, the traditional sweet treat to honor St. Joseph.
Don’t forget to wear red
Avec x Merchant Bubbles Pairing Returns - SOLD OUT
Due to popular demand we are collaborating once more with AVEC in anticipation of their arrival to Highwood this summer. Join us to enjoy small bites from AVEC paired with four of our international sparkling wines from: Spain, Portugal, France & Italy.
$40/per person
SOLD OUT
NOTE: If you weren’t able to get into this tasting, please email us to get into the next one. Date TBD.
An Intimate Pairing: A Guided Journey of Food, WIne, & Senses
What to Expect
Each guided tasting will include a brief overview on wine region & varietal, using our eyes to judge the appearance, our sense of smell to talk about the “nose” of the wine, and our tastebuds to talk about the palate. We will discuss why each wine pairs well with each course.
The focus will be on the senses and the people you are having the experience with. Herbs will be on hand to enhance the sensory journey.
Exclusivity
Be among the first in Illinois to taste and secure Malijay Côtes du Rhône - no one else has it yet!
An Intimate Pairing:
Crafted to Seduce the Senses
$50/per person
Explore French wine, taste exquisite bites, and ignite your senses with this luxe, flirty tasting experience during Valentine’s Day week.
Stephanie Nichols of Aquitaine Wines will take you on a sensory journey of France with six wine tastings, paired with a six-course small plates menu catered by Busy Butternut.
MENU
First Course
JC Calvet Brut Rose
Warm Puff Pastry with Blueberry Thyme Goat Cheese Topped w/ Honey, Roasted Tomato and Pumpkin Seeds
Second Course
Domaine Reverdy Sancerre
Herbed Butter Grilled Shrimp and French Gruyere Polenta Cubes w/ Lemon Cucumber Arugula Salad
Third Course
Malijay Côtes du Rhône
Rosemary and Lavender Pastry Tart w/ Green Goddess Hummus Roasted Zucchini and Squash Flowers
Fourth Course
Chateau La Reverence
Hachis Parmentier (French Beef Shepherd's Pie Topped w/ Gratin Potatoes)
Fifth Course
Vieux Maillet Pomorol
French chocolate pots de créme
Sixth Course
Champagne Gratiot - Sauternes Dessert Wine
French charcuterie and cheese box
Turn Up the Smoke: Mezcal Tasting - SOLD OUT
Do you like Mezcal or are just curious about it?
Register to attend our highly requested MEZCAL TASTING event during Highwood’s Restaurant Week, Eat. Drink. Highwood.
Bubbles Flights Pairing x AVEC - SOLD OUT
EAT. DRINK. HIGHWOOD.
Bubbles Flights Pairing
$35/per person
If you love bubbles, you won’t want to miss this event. We are partnering with AVEC - coming this spring to Highwood! - to offer a small bites pairing with four of our international sparkling wines from Spain, Portugal, France & Italy.
Our Signature Cocktail: The Merchant Manhattan
EAT. DRINK. HIGHWOOD.
Signature Cocktail
We crafted a special cocktail to celebrate the Inaugural Eat. Drink. Highwood. event.
Available throughout Highwood’s Restaurant Week, Feb. 3rd - 7th
Enjoy our signature cocktail…
The MERCHANT MANHATTAN
(bourbon + Spanish vermut)
Kick-off to Eat. Drink. Highwood. with our Bucket O' Beers from Around the World
EAT. DRINK. HIGHWOOD.
Bucket O’ Beers from Around the World
We’re opening up on Tuesday for Highwood’s Restaurant Week from 5-9pm.
Enjoy 5 Beers for $20 from:
Italy | Spain | Sicily |Germany | Portugal
