Expert Recommendations: Best Wine Destinations in Chicago From Wine Bars to Fine-Dining Venues Chris Lehoux, March 28, 2024 During his time off, Derrick Westbrook, a wine director and sommelier based in Chicago previously associated with the Michelin-starred Elizabeth in Lincoln Square, could be anticipated to relax in equally opulent locations. Having spent several years on restaurant floors, Westbrook confesses to relishing the privilege of being a customer at high-end eateries. Nevertheless, when he’s not on duty, he doesn’t typically visit locales famed for their extensive assortment of classified Bordeaux or high-end steakhouses with a focus on cult Napa cabs. “To tell you the truth, I’d most probably be found at the Bronzeville Winery sipping wine or beer,” shares Westbrook. “I might be a bit partial since I was responsible for their wine list.” But Bronzeville stands out as the sort of welcoming, social space where Westbrook enjoys inviting friends, regardless of their wine knowledge. In general, Westbrook confesses to an affinity for “under-the-radar intelligent locations. Places that prioritize outstanding food and beverages,” he elaborates. He is attracted to bars and restaurants where “wine lists are considered and managed by someone truly passionate and knowledgeable about wine,” yet don’t require lengthy discussions about vineyard names or classifications. Bronzeville’s wine selection is unique and cunning. Rather than classically chosen Champagnes, recommendations might lean towards Thierry Tissot’s 2018 extra-dry rosé, a méthode traditionelle bubbly mix of gamay and mondeuse from Bugey in Eastern France. Instead of predictable cabernet sauvignon from California or France, a mature 1995 vintage Quinta do Poço do Lobo from Bairrada, Portugal might be proposed. According to the sommelier, there are numerous wines that are perfect for Bronzeville’s guests, featuring wines a pathway less travelled or more aged wines that need the right crew to ensure they’re presented consistently. Bronzeville offers most of their list in by-the-glass servings or in affordably priced tasting flights, thereby inviting patrons to delve into new and different wines without the pressure of commitment. Per Dila Lee, a Sake and spirits manager for Komé Collective in Chicago, what attracts industry professionals are the chances to uncover smaller, family-run producers off the mainstream or commercial beverage manufacture. Lee has managed restaurants in Chicago and San Francisco for many years before transitioning into sales. Her work involves a significant amount of travel across the nation to visit restaurant accounts. In her free time, she is attracted to places that allow beverages to narrate the tale of their origin and their producers, places where the staff radiates enthusiasm for their offerings. Webster’s Wine Bar has been a reputable spot for Chicago’s wine and beverage industry professionals for more than two decades, according to Lee. She describes the cozy Logan square location (which shifted from its original Lincoln Park location in 2014) as an industry playground. It’s frequented by sommeliers who wish to “geek out”. This doesn’t mean they’re gushing over grand-cru Burgundy or grande-marque Champagne, but more on rare gems like El Mismo by Louis-Antoine Luyt of Burgundy – a luscious, fragranced red originating from 200-year-old vines of pais grapes in Chile’s Maule Valley, or Wallufer Walkenberg Spätlese Riesling from the Rheingau by J.B. Becker, a sophisticated, delicate wine crafted by one of Germany’s most reclusive vintners. BYOB nights are a staple for beverage professionals when socializing, according to Eduard Seitan, a sommelier and partner of One Off Hospitality. This company has nine restaurants in Chicago, including the avec and Publican Quality Meats. Seitan has been hosting regular BYOB dinners at Four Seasons Dumplings in Bridgeport for many years. This is his preferred location, whether he’s hosting winemakers from out of town or just hanging out with friends. “Although it doesn’t have much ambiance, it offers really good, genuine Chinese food,” he remarks. Moreover, it offers a chance to share unique bottles with friends and coworkers who are most likely to appreciate them. The total cost is less than $25, including a very generous tip. The only rule is that “everyone must bring a bottle, and it has to be natural,” says Seitan. In Chicago, the appeal of natural wines is undeniable. “Most of us have been pushing for this for 20 years,” says Seitan. “The movement seen in cities like New York, Paris, and San Francisco has now reached us in Chicago.” Natural wines’ lively flavors and subtle umami meet Seitan’s approval. Likewise, the popularity of natural wines goes hand in hand with growing support among beverage industry professionals for regenerative agriculture and minimum intervention production practices. If this seems too dogmatic, Westbrook suggests visiting Easy Does It in Logan Square. It’s a natural wine bar and lounge that emphasizes fun. There’s a live open-jam session every Monday, a DJ booth, and a pop-up raw bar on the patio on Sundays. “If you’re in search of something off-beat, they really go all out,” he says. “For me, it’s always a pleasure to sample these sorts of wines and put my mind to work.” Easy Does It also offers a wonderful choice of beer, cider, kombucha, and cocktails. Lee states that the dining scene of Chicago has significantly expanded over the past decade. The appeal is not just about impressive wine lists, but also expertly made craft cocktails, beer, spirits, and sake. Lee, being a sake connoisseur, prefers Jinsei Motto. This sushi bar and izakaya is situated in the CH Distillery, the founding home of the Chicago symbol, Jeppson’s Malört. Located in the West Loop, Lee suggests it’s the “largest by-the-glass sake program in Chicago”. More crucially, it is where the list is continually changing and developing. It presents a seldom-found opportunity in America to keep up with the latest sake trends from Japan. Bronzeville Winery (Bronzeville) 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 872-244-7065, bronzevillewinery.com Easy Does It (Logan Square) 2354 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-420-9463, easydoes.it Four Seasons Dumplings (Bridgeport) 3205 S. Halsted St., 312-265-0568, 4seasonsdumpling.com Jinsei Motto (West Loop) 564 W. Randolph St., 312-884-9602, jinseimotto.com Webster’s Wine Bar (Logan Square) 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-292-9463, websterwinebar.com Apolonia (South Loop) Apolonia takes the spotlight in South Loop as a widely recognized Mediterranean restaurant. Wine director Jelena Prodan at Apolonia curates a wine list which Lee candidly calls an “open box”, filled with “extraordinary, hidden gems in the wine world”. The wine list further boasts a wide range of wines available by the glass, catering to all from classic and nouveau regions, offering varying styles and producers. Thus promising to satisfy all, be it wine enthusiasts, the natural orange-wine aficionados or even the shaunty wine snobs, as per Lee. 2201 S. Michigan Ave., 312 363 2431, apoloniachicago.com avec (River North) Seitan, who is a father, a volunteer pilot for the animal rescue organization Pilots N Paws, and the owner of a group of restaurants, says he’s not out and about as frequently these days. During the weekends, he enjoys going out for brunch with his family and friends at his very own place, called avec River North. Seitan claims it’s the best spot in the city for a late morning meal. Aside from the usual brunch drinks like bloody marys and mimosas, Seitan appreciates that avec’s wine selection, which features unique and fairly priced options such as Casa de Mouraz’s Chibu – a Portuguese red field blend crafted from various red and white grapes, and Tchotiashvilli Kisi – a Georgian orange wine developed in qvevri, which are ancient amphorae. 141 W. Erie St., 312-736-1778, avecrestaurant.com Miru (Lakeshore East) Miru is a new Japanese restaurant situated on the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago. It comes with a 12-seat sushi bar made from marble. Kat Hawkins, the wine director at the restaurant, pays exceptional attention to pairing fine wines with Japanese dishes, according to Lee. He explains that due to the nuanced flavors and fresh ingredients in Japanese cuisine, selecting the perfect wine that complements these aspects can be a tricky task. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com Nine Bar (Chinatown) Seitan is a fan of this hidden craft cocktail bar, located behind the well-known Chinatown hotspot, Moon Palace Express. The bar is a second-generation venture, operated by Lily Wang and her partner, Joe Briglio; Wang’s parents managed it for over three decades. According to Seitan, it’s a bar where the characteristics of the cocktails are effortlessly excellent, achieving perfect harmony between sweetness and acidity. 216 W. Cermak Rd., 312-225-4081, ninebarchicago.com Printers Row Wine Shop (South Loop) In operation since 2004 as a local wine shop, Printers Row is recognized for its specialties in unique spirits, low-intervention wines, and locally brewed craft beers. It is a popular recommendation by Westbrook. He describes it as an unpretentious and cozy bar with interesting choices to offer. This includes a selection of unique wines primarily sourced from Central and Eastern Europe, a region much appreciated for its wines. 719 S. Dearborn St., 312-663-9314, printersrowwine.com Proxi (West Loop) Proxi, under the guidance of chef Andrew Zimmerman, is a tribute to the diverse street foods he has experienced during his world travels. Particularly noteworthy is the beverage menu, curated by wine director Alex Ring, encompassing a wide selection of wine, craft cocktails, beer, and sake. The limitless array of cuisines served here allows for an unparalleled exploration of uncommon flavor pairings, states Lee. The establishment is located at 565 W Randolph St. Contact information: 312-466-1950, proxichicago.com Next on the list is Soif situated in Logan Square. This unique wine bar could easily be compared to a speakeasy, considering how it is subtly tucked away in a basement that can be accessed via an unlabelled staircase inside its sister restaurant, Testaccio, a place that offers traditional Roman cuisine. According to Seitan, Soif’s focus lies predominantly on French wines, favouring small-scale producers and natural wines. The pricing is surprisingly affordable too. 2456 N. California Ave., 773-895-6558, soifchicago.com Anna Lee Iijima is a freelance writer. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine