READING — Digital passports are available for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s 2025 Go Taste Berks Passport Challenge.
The event kicks off Nov. 1 and runs throughout the month — inviting passport holders to visit participating businesses to explore “the best bites, brews and buys across the Greater Reading region,” according to GRCA.
A change for this year is the digital passport. Last year, passports were mailed to attendees who then had them stamped at participating businesses.
The digital passports will be easier for attendees, and GRCA will be able to see how many visitors each location gets during the month, according to Leah Fassnacht, GRCA senior director of communications and marketing.
The digital passport can be purchased for $25. Visit greaterreading.org/GTB25 for information about the event and a link to purchase a passport. This is the second year for the event under the Go Taste Berks name. Previously it had been a one-night event called Taste of Berks.
How it Works
Each participating business will have a QR code posted where visitors may scan it to validate their visit, earn points and claim any deal or sample the business is offering.
Passport holders will also have access to a digital map that shows all the participating businesses and their corresponding deals.
As of this week, there are 30 participating business in a variety of categories:
• Bars & Restaurants
• Breweries & Wineries
• Cafes
• Retail Markets
• Farms & Creameries
• Online only
GRCA expects more vendors to be added before the Nov. 1 launch of Go Taste Berks.
Passport holders can add points by participating in activities such as taking a photo or leaving a review of their food, drink or experience and sharing it, according to a press release. Check-ins and activities count toward a digital leaderboard. The three people with the most points will win one of three “Go Experience Berks” prizes, that include:
• Berks Wellness Experience from Baja Beach Wellness
• Berks Winter Getaway Experience from Folino Estate Winery and Vintner’s Inn
• Berks Landscaping Experience from Halter Landscaping Inc.
In addition, the most frequented vendor — determined by digital check-ins — will receive a free eSpotlight email and a social media takeover of GRCA’s channels.
Those looking to purchase 10 or more passports can contact Anna Lisa at Alisa@greaterreading.org, to receive bulk information. Area businesses looking to become a Go Taste Berks vendor can sign up by filling out the form at greaterreading.org/GTBvendor25 and emailing it to Katie Johnsen, events coordinator, at kjohnsen@greaterreading.org.
