Chicago, my kind of (wine) town.
Yes, Chicago is a wine city. Here's my guide to drinking well.
To quote the great Brooklyn rapper, Kimberly Jones, “I’ve been gone for a minute, now I’m back with them jump off.”
Earlier this week, I was interviewed by Jacoby Cochran for the CityCast Chicago podcast and asked the simple question, “Is Chicago a Wine City?”
Spoiler alert: I answered yes, enthusiastically.
LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE BELOW
While Chicago is highly regarded as a city with great food, awesome cocktail bars, and wonderful beer selections, we don’t get nearly enough credit for the city's creative and intentional wine programs.
But I do believe that is changing, slowly but surely.
Eric Asimov of The New York Times recently wrote a cheerful column about Where to Drink Wine in Chicago, and it was nice to see him mention some of the places I shared in my conversation with City Cast Chicago and a few that are new to me.
Anna Lee Ijima also penned a story for The Chicago Tribune about Chicago Wine Destinations, featuring recommendations from my friend, fellow sommelier, and wine expert Derrick C. Westbrook.
See what I mean? Chicago IS a wine city!
After listening to my CityCast Chicago episode, I began thinking more about my perspective on what makes a great wine experience here in the Windy City. I divided it into three categories: by the glass, the ‘food and wine experience’, and ‘bottle shops.
Consider this an expansion of my 2022 Chicago Wine Guide. Next time you find yourself in Chicago, make it your mission to stop at one (or all) of these amazing spots.
You’re welcome!
BY THE GLASS (BTG)
Bronzeville Winery – This spot is not only Black-owned but the wine list is curated by a Black sommelier.
Easy Does It – Y’all know how I feel about Easy Does It. And if you’ve yet to visit, just hit my line and we will go ASAPington!
Le Midi Wine – There’s not enough commotion made about this gem in Wicker Park, and I don’t like that! *lol* Not only can you sip on great wines by the glass, but the bottle selection is also amazing.
THE ‘FOOD + WINE’ EXPERIENCE
Segnatore – I stopped in this Humbolt Park gem for brunch a few weeks back, and was blown away! The wine list is exclusively Italian and features 70% of women winemakers.
Soif Wine Lounge (closing April 27) – I’m so bummed that this place is closing! It gives a sexy French cafe ambiance with yummy bites and delicious wines. It will be missed!
Indienne – This one is for the ballers, shot callers, and lovers of Indian cuisine with a creative twist. I had dinner here a few weeks back and almost cried in the car at the beauty of my dining experience. Shout-out to Head Sommelier Tia Polite and her entire team for curating such an exquisite wine list.
Middle Brow – If you want great natural wine and even better wood-fired oven pizza, head to this spot in Humbolt Park.
Pompette – I visited this spot for brunch with my friend Corky a few months ago and we had a lovely experience! The wine list is
BOTTLE SHOPS
Deep Red Wine Merchants – I finally visited Deep Red last weekend to celebrate their six-month anniversary. I loved the short and sweet BTG menus, and the bottle selections also have a lovely range.
Verve Wine. This Lincoln Park staple reopened the restaurant side of its establishment, ARGOT, which I mentioned above.
Printers Row Wine Shop. I stumbled into this South Loop gem and immediately loved its rustic, at-home library bar vibes.
BottlesUp! - Located in Lakeview, this has been one of my bottle shops for years. Melissa and her do a great job with programming and the selection of wines, beers, and spirits is vast.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I’m still in my author era, but now I’m sprinkling in some appearances too! Mark your calendars for the May and June events – RSVP links soon come!
April 25 – This isn’t wine-related, but it is connected to my work as a marketing girlie. Join me at Lincoln Park Zoo for the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago Celebration. There will be food, live entertainment, and lions, SO PULL UP!
Tickets are $25 at chicagoreader.com/tickets.
May 21 – Book signing and wine tasting at Call & Response Books (Chicago, IL)
June 13 – Book signing and wine tasting at Urban Grape DC (Washington, D.C.)
June 25 – Book signing and wine tasting at The Book Cellar (Chicago, IL)
WINE NEWS
Chicago got left off this list, but it’s cool.
NBA 🤝 Kendall-Jackson Wines
Very sad to learn of this North Carolina winery closing its doors.
57th Street Wines in Hyde Park is one of the best shops in town, too! Great range in the selection but still really thoughtfully curated. Great small spirits and beer selection as well.