Chicago's wine scene is buzzing with places that serve up much more than just your average glass of red or white. From easy-going wine bars to high-brow fine dining, there's a spot for every type of wine enthusiast in the Windy City. For a unique night out, industry insiders have spilled the beans on where they like to kick back with a glass of the good stuff.
When he's not curating wine selections, Derrick Westbrook, who previously oversaw the wine program at Michelin-starred Elizabeth, prefers laid-back venues like the Bronzeville Winery. As he put it in a statement obtained by the Chicago Tribune, "I like places that are sneaky-smart. Places that lead with great food and drinks." Westbrook mentioned that the Bronzeville Winery is not just any old spot but one where the wine list he helped create offers off-the-beaten-path options and accessibly priced flights.
Elsewhere in Chicago, Webster's Wine Bar is hailed by the local wine and beverage trade for its array of unique vintages. According to the Chicago Tribune interview, Westbrook said, "It’s where all the somms go when they really want to geek out." Not just on your standard fare, but on selections like Chilean reds from 200-year-old vines and German Rieslings made by elusive winemakers. Their snug Logan Square venue is the place to be for a more profound wine experience.
For those who fancy a craft cocktail after a glass of wine, insiders steer folks towards Nine Bar in Chinatown, a craft cocktail bar where the beverages have been described as perfectly balanced by sommelier and hospitality partner Eduard Seitan, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. Whether it's a cozy neighborhood establishment like Angelo's Wine Bar, as mentioned in Eater Chicago, or the unpretentious Volo Restaurant Wine Bar with its boutique selections and artisan cheeses, Chicago boasts a diverse wine bar scene that caters to all.
Wine-pairing aficionados might find their match at Miru, perched on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago. Dila Lee, a sake and spirits manager at Komé Collective, praised the expertise behind the wine pairings with Japanese dishes, the Chicago Tribune reports. For those who prefer their wine experience to be in the company of cheeses, the Beautiful Rind provides an array of cheese and wine pairings in Logan Square, and offers pairing classes as well, according to an Eater Chicago write-up. This diverse offering ensures that connoisseurs and novices alike can find their perfect spot to sip and savor.
