Where to Taste Unique Wines Right Here In Chicago
via Chicago Winery
In Chicago, it’s always wine o’clock somewhere! From full service wineries that offer tours, tastings and classes to wine loving restaurants that make it their mission to source the best grapes + bottles from around the world, here are some unique, wine-focused spots to find your next favorite sip…
Chicago Winery {739 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 312.763.3674}
Shockingly, major cities like Chicago are not home to many sprawling vineyards, BUT River North’s Chicago Winery is the closest ‘vineyard’ experience we can get! Minus the grape growing, which takes place in more suitable environments, all other aspects of winemaking take place onsite, including the fermenting, aging, blending and bottling of each wine. They offer immersive and educational tours of the winery as well as a special date night wine tour option! Enjoy your vino in their intimate tasting room or paired with a delicious + seasonal dish from onsite restaurant, Liva.
Open Thurs 4-10pm, Fri 4-11pm, Sat 10:30am-11pm and Sun 10:30am-4pm for dinner, Tasting Bar: Sat 1-10pm, Sun 1-8pm
via Bronzeville Winery
Bronzeville Winery {4420 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL; 872.244.7065}
More than just a restaurant, Bronzeville Winery is a celebration of the Bronzeville neighborhood. As a black-owned and woman-owned establishment, the team at Bronzeville prides itself in showcasing wine + beverages that highlight their diverse history. Their menu features a variety of wines available by the glass, bottle or as a flight, all with recommendations on which dishes to pair it with.
Open Wed-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-11pm and Sun 10am-3pm & 4-9pm.
City Winery {Multiple Locations}
Whether it’s their riverfront location, a chilled rosé in hand, watching the boats cruise by or their West Loop location, tucked away on the garden patio with a glass of red, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a visit to City Winery. Not only do they source grapes from the finest vineyards, but they then turn those grapes into world-class wines right in their local wineries! CIty Winery Riverwalk boasts a walk-up bar & wine garden and City Winery West Loop offers winery tours & tastings!
Opening hours vary by location.
Ed & Jean's {2032 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.851.8054}
Every Bucktown native is probably familiar with this dive bar turned wine/cocktail bar. While the vibe and interior of Ed & Jean’s may have changed this past year, the name remains the same, paying homage to its original owners Ed & Jean. Their new concept features wines from all over the world, highlighting different regions and the wines produced there, as well as offering to-go retail wines for 50% off bottle price! The eclectic, mismatched interior, complimentary snacks and rotating gallery of Chicago artists make Ed & Jean’s a warm & inviting place where one cocktail or glass of wine with friends turns into 3 or 4.
Open Mon-Thurs 3-11pm, Fri-Sat 3pm-1am and Sun12-9pm.
via Webster’s Wine Bar
Webster's Wine Bar (2601 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.292.9463}
With over 30 years of experience under their belt, the team at Webster’s Wine Bar knows a little thing or two about delicious wines. Situated in a cozy corner spot in Logan Square, Webster's Wine Bar is led by two wine loving couples who extend their support for other small businesses by highlighting small, family-produced wines made with little to no additives or chemicals. Inspired by their European adventures, guests can expect to find wines from European countries as well as some from South America and the US. Stop by for a glass, or check out their weekly wine specials and wine club memberships.
Open Sun-Thurs 5pm-close and Fri-Sat 4pm-close.
Avec {Multiple Locations}
For those who can’t make the trip to Europe this year, head to Avec instead, where a menu highlighting beautiful Southern European wines and Mediterranean dishes inspired by Midwest classics await. Avec has two Chicago locations, with a full service restaurant in River North and the West Loop, as well as a bonus rooftop bar above the River North address! Soak in the sun with vino in hand to fulfill all your Euro trip dreams.
Opening hours vary by location.
J9 Wine Bar {1961 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL; 312.982.2488}
Lincoln Park’s J9 Wine Bar started as a family run establishment over 40 years ago, where owner Sonya wanted a place to have a good glass of wine amongst friends. Although Sonya no longer owns the bar, the concept has remained the same and Chicagoans continue to flock to J9 for the intimate interior, global wine offerings and extremely knowledgeable staff. Enjoy your wine with a homemade charcuterie board or take your bottles to go for 25% off list price!
Open Mon-Thurs 4-11pm, Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 1pm-12am and Sun 1-9pm.
via Volo Wine Bar
Volo Wine Bar {2008 West Roscoe Street, Chicago, IL; 773.348.4600}
Reminiscent of a quintessential European wine bistro, Roscoe Village’s Volo Wine Bar offers an accessible selection of mind-blowingly delicious wines to sample. Their team curates a seasonal and rotating list of over 50 boutique wines, all available by the bottle and most available by the glass or as a flight. Guests can enjoy their vino in Volo’s warm interior or in their award-winning, year-round secret cabana patio.
Open Tues-Sat 4-11pm, Wed-Sat 4-11pm (January 1- April 30)
Uvae Wine Bar {5553 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 773.654.1432}
Those looking to not just sip their wine but to also gain an understanding + appreciation for its flavor profile and origin should head to Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar in Andersonville. Uvae’s menu features wines from around the world that perfectly complement their upscale, globally infused food menu. Their newly opened Fromagerie & Tasting Room features retail wine & cheese, weekly wine classes and private events.
Open Tues-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 3-10pm and Sun 3-9pm; Tasting Room Tues-Fri 3-9pm, Sat & Sun 12-9pm
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager