Few things are better in life than sipping on a chilled glass of white wine on a hot summer’s day with friends and loved ones at a beautiful venue. Often called the drink of the gods, it doesn’t matter whether you prefer red or white. Chicago is a sommelier’s dream when it comes to venues for wine tasting and absolute enjoyment when you pair this with some outstanding food. So, for those of you who would like to find out where Chicago’s hidden winery gems are, this post is for you!
City Winery Chicago
The brainchild of Michael Dorf, who founded City Winery in New York City in 2008, City Winery Chicago is a place where you can indulge your senses. Experience an impressive functioning winery, a first-class music venue featuring the best in live music, comedy, and events large and small in this cool, intimate venue. Enjoy award-winning wines by the glass or bottle, and even over a dozen tap wine options served at optimal temperatures. City Winery boasts a great full-service restaurant with an excellent menu featuring small plate items that will wow you with items that pair beautifully with an impressive lineup of wines in a warm, intimate setting. Enjoy summer nights with Al fresco dining and taste awesome wines in the winery’s beautiful, green dog-friendly courtyard. Situated at the heart of the West Loop and close to the boutiques in West Town and Wicker Park, City Winery Chicago is located in the perfect spot.
You won’t be too far from the gorgeous greenery of the Garfield Park Conservatory, Humboldt Park, and within sight of the skyscraper skyline of the Loop. When there, you’ll be able to enjoy a bottle of City Winery’s award-winning Cabernet and all your favorite varietals in an amazing atmosphere, and so much more. All this while dining on a freshly prepared meal and live music performed live by your favorite artists. It sounds idyllic and it really is!
Pops for Champagne
“I only drink Champagne on two occasions. When I’m in love, and when I’m not.” Coco Channel.
If you adore Champagne, then come right over to Pops for Champagne! Pops is one of the most celebrated Champagne bars in Chicago and for that matter, in the country. Whether you’re just getting off work or going out on the town, Pops for Champagne is the spot to enjoy life with a beautiful glass of bubbly in one of Chicago’s premier Champagne bars and musical entertainment clubs.
Celebrate in style and try one of over 100 Champagne and sparkling wines. Let the chefs prepare delicious food on shared plates, a raw bar, and a decadent dessert menu. The main bar is on the first floor where you can people-watch to your heart’s content. Then check out the lower level where you will be wowed by live music, showcasing great jazz. The perfect evening to unwind have a great date night or just unwind. Pops for Champagne is one of the best spots in Chicago.
Lynfred Winery
What started out as an idea to open “a little winery” has turned into a project that attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Roselle every year. Founded by husband-and-wife team Fred and Lynn Koehler, Lynn, and Fred were chemists who had a great love of wine and were in love with each other. They decided to open a winery together. Thus, they named it Lynfred to honor this love story. Lynfred Winery’s legacy continues to this day. Fred and Lynn’s favorite hobby has evolved into a nationally recognized winemaking operation with over 50 varietals produced in a 100,000-gallon wine-production facility. Lynfred imports grapes from some of the most famous vineyards and produce their wines in the Roselle facility.
In addition to this, there are also luxury bed-and-breakfast accommodations, two tasting room locations, and of course – a line-up of wine-inspired events throughout the year. Check out a great Gift shop featuring wine-related items, specialty gift baskets, glassware, and elegant home decor. Whether you’re a fan of vino or you’d like to indulge in some brandy-infused ports, you’ll find yourself in a charming and beautiful backdrop, perfect for creating memories. A great spot for their complimentary Saturday wine tastings and tours and it’s not to be missed!
The Fromagerie and Tasting Room
Located in the heart of Andersonville, The Fromagerie and Tasting Room has been described as a “wine-lovers dream”. Here, you’ll find rotating meats and cheeses, conserves, and jams. Why is this important? Because you’ll be able to pair all this with some of the best wine tastings in the city. They take place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday night and if you know nothing about wine, this is the perfect location to learn more about it and the multiple regions top wines come from. Whether you pick up a hint of leather or detect some spiciness in your vino, this is an unmissable experience that you’ll absolutely love, surrounded by gorgeous decor.
WC Winery & 25 Boccé
Looking for something on the fancy side to enjoy your red wines? You’ll absolutely love the tastings at WC Winery. Its winemaker Jeff Doombos will guide you and nine other guests through a private tasting that includes four red blends (cab, Sangiovese, barbera, and syrah) in addition to a blended 10-year-old port. Add to the mix some barrel-aged masterpieces and a sparkling riesling and you are ready for a night to remember.
Le Sud
Le Sud can be found in the French Mediterranean neighborhood. The Roscoe Village hot spot sees wine lovers unite to enjoy a multitude of flavors from across the world. While here, you can enjoy reds, whites, and bubbles. Meanwhile, the hors dóeuvres pairings to accompany the exotic flavors are created by chef Michael Woodhill.
The Purple Pig
The Purple Pig, led by famous Chicago Executive Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr., creates the very best in multiple cuisines like classic Italian, Southern French, and Spanish dishes of beauty that will wow every wine lover who is looking to pair beautiful food with amazing wines. Beverage Director Alan Beasey oversees their wine list that will wow you with over 830 labels and which won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence in 2019. The selections are impressive with wines from France (with strong Champagne showings), Italy, Spain, and California.
Picnic Wine & Provisions
With the aim of bringing people together to share ideas and share wine, food, and art, your wine-tasting experience doesn’t have to be on the steep side of your budget. For only $5, you can head up to Rogers Park at Picnic Wine & Provisions and enjoy a glass (or a few) at a table, on the patio, or on a blanket, picnic style. Ideal for those with a social conscience, you’ll also love the fact that the food is sustainably sourced. Meanwhile, the atmosphere is jovial while the wine is available to take home by the bottle.
How to get around and enjoy your wine at the same time
We all know that there are limits to enjoying wine at multiple wine-tasting locations around Chicago. And driving while under the influence is a huge no-no. Meanwhile, you’re unlikely to find someone to be your designated driver, that is, unless you reach out to us at Bus Connection.
With our wide variety of transportation modes and our vast knowledge of the city and its hidden gems, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost or finding a suitable parking spot again. Get in touch with us and we’ll make your wine-tasting adventure a reality you won’t forget. Sit back in comfort and style as we transport you from one wine world to the next. It’s time to enjoy yourself. So, reach out to us and we’ll be at your side!