Chicago Wine Report

A long-delayed episode finally makes its debut!Tom and Lainie sit down with Richard Hanauer of Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. We talk about the wine industry, our favorite wines, and so much more. Enjoy!

Tom, Chip, and Lainie get together to talk about recent wine adventures including a tasting of Troon Vineyard wine at Bodin Street as well as visits to Uvae Fromagarie, Andersonville Wine & Spirits, and Kopi Cafe. Lainie & Chip also describe a recent wine tasting/class led by Todd Hess of Hart Davis Hart at Birch Road.

Our guest was Michael Kush of Chasing Harvest, a Chicago-based wine company producing wines in Portugal and New Zealand.

This episode features Collin Moody of Vom Boden, a Chicago distributor focusing on German and Austrian wineries! Collin has a great backstory about his history in the food/beverage/wine business and was kind enough to lead us in tasting some fantastic wines from Vom Boden's portfolio.

This week’s show features a round-robin conversation between all three hosts and a short interview with Jennifer Van Buren of Wine Dogs Imports. We caught up with Jennifer at a New Zealand and Australian wine tasting hosted by Bodin Street Wines & Spirits.

The first is Daniel Pyne of Pyne Properties who talked about his experiences working a French wine harvest and making the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.Then, Tom interviewed Morten Sorensen of ISH Spirits. They had a fascinating discussion about how Morten champions mindful drinking with his line of non-alcoholic sparkling wines, spirits, and canned cocktails.(Use code MINDFUL10 to save 10% on your ISH order!)

This week we welcomed Mia Sakai of Àndale Market, an Andersonville specialty grocer with a beautiful selection of foods from around the world. Looking for wine snacks? Visit Àndale Market for conservas, Spanish potato chips, charcuterie, cheese, and other delightful treats. We at the Chicago Wine Report are grateful to our sponsors and supporters! Without them, we would not be able to bring you our show, newsletter, and social media content each week.Thank you to:Velocity Courier offers professional delivery services in the Chicago area. Yes, they deliver wine and have a lot of experience in doing so! Contact them at: (312) 944-0754.Pyne Properties: "Broker, Investor, Advisor." Your one-stop shop for residential and commercial real estate brokerage. Need help finding a place to live? Dan's your man! Give him a call at (877) 944-3744.Birch Road: We tape a lot of our shows at this amazing BYOB club with locations in Chicago, Denver, and Seattle. Please tell our sponsors, guests, and supporters that you heard about them on the Chicago Wine Report!

Our guest this week is Diana Hamann, owner of The Wine Goddess, a wine bar and shop in Evanston, Illinois. Diana is an experienced wine educator who offers her patrons numerous opportunities to learn more about wine. She also has a fascinating story about how she went from being an English major to entering the wine industry as an educator, consultant, and business owner. A special thank you to our sponsor, Velocity Courier in Chicago!

This week’s show featured Susan VanKoughnett and Laura Busso of Bodin Street Wines & Spirits.Bodin Street, by the way, specializes in Mexican wines and spirits, and we got to taste two outstanding Mexican wines on the show: Vina Cava Big Blend and Casa Jipi Sauvignon Blanc!

Our guest this week was Rendi Graham of Anderson Ganne wines, an importer of French wines and the originator of the Vin de Terrasse boxed wines. We also talked the 2022 Chicago Reader "Best Of" nominees, included some tips for taking care of stemware, and shared some upcoming wine events in Chicago.

Our guest this week is sommelier Derrick C. Westbrook, a co-owner of Juice @ 1340 who has directed wine programs at NEXT and Elizabeth. He was recognized by Wine Enthusiast magazine as a 40 Under 40 Tastemaker and was the first African-American in the wine industry to grace the publication’s cover. We had a fabulous conversation about his journey to wine, his musical approach to wine and wine education, and how he introduces wines to his customers.Each week we get together for a production meeting. This is also a great opportunity to try out some wines. This week we had two very different wines that came in at very different price points. Still, we enjoyed both immensely!The Curator 2021 (South African white blend by A.A. Badenhorst) $13 at Augusta Food & WineCarl Ehrhard “Frau Ehrhard Naturlich” 2017 (low-intervention, slight skin-contact, German Riesling) from Independent Spirits. $30.Lainie also reported on a tasting of ISH non-alcoholic wines and spirits offered at Birch Road in Roscoe Village.ISH products are available locally at:Bendición Dry BarFoxtrotYou can also get 10% off your first order at ISH’s US website with code MINDFUL10.

Our January 8th, 2023 podcast featured Tess Moon of That Board Cheese & Cracker, an excellent catering company specializing in charcuterie and party boards. We met Tess at Birch Road where she is a member and were so pleased to have her in the studio. We talked about how she came to start her business, ideas for catering and party planning, and, of course, wine!Tom was good enough to prepare an excellent report on how de-alcoholized wine gets that way and led us on a tasting of an alcohol-removed wine.I (Lainie) spent the week hunting for a good charcuterie wine. I found one at Augusta Food & Wine’s regular Thursday tasting: Cesari Jùsto 2019, a Merlot & Corvina blend. It turns out, however, that everyone else at the tasting decided that it was too delicious to resist, and Augusta’s stock was sold out in 24 hours. The shop’s staff came to the rescue, however, and recommended a little gem: Gaspard Pinot Noir by Jenny & François. A super-affordable and quite delicious Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley.We also answered a question about a good cork for unfinished bottles of wine and, of course, streamed news of upcoming Chicago-area wine events. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

It was our New Year's Day special so just the three of us, Lainie Petersen, Tom Hall, and Chip Dudley, were in the studio. In honor of Dry January, we tasted some non-alcoholic wines and canned mixers/cocktails. Tom also presented a review of Wine Simple by Aldo Sohm during this week’s show. The verdict? He strongly recommends giving this book a read!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! As luck would have it, Christmas and New Year’s Day both fall on Sundays this year, so the three of us (Tom, Lainie & Chip) pre-recorded both episodes so we could spend time with loved ones on the holidays. This episode featured reflections on 2022, some of our favorite wines, an essay on the wines of Loire Valley, and some wine education from Chip.Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Warner DeJulio of Vin 312 Winery was in the studio with us. We had a lively and informative discussion about winemaking, urban wineries, and wine itself! Be sure to follow Vin 312 on Instagram for some great content!

This week's guest was Kim Bosse, co-founder of Birch Road, a BYOB social club with clubhouses in Chicago (Roscoe Village and Lincoln Park), Seattle, and Denver. We talked about the origins of Birch Road, how this wine-focused club operates, and some of Kim’s current beverage passions, including amaro!(Interested in joining Birch Road? Get in touch and tell them that you were referred by the Chicago Wine Report and they’ll waive your enrollment fee!)A particularly fun part of our conversation was discussing the club’s annual Champagne tasting the night before. An amazing selection of Champagne, much of it grower Champagne, was on offer, along with a lot of laughter and good humor. Special shoutout to Melissa of BottlesUp! (taking orders and delivering bottles directly to club members’ lockers (another perk of membership) and That Board for the beautiful spread!

Our in-studio guest was Nisha Aher of Hart Davis Hart Wine Company. Nisha has so much wine knowledge and shared so much with our team and audience. We are grateful that she took the time to be on our show!We also had a fantastic pre-recorded interview with Craig Garofalo and Michael Seward of Pops for Champagne. Pops for Champagne was (and is) a trailblazer in the Chicago wine scene and it was great to learn about its story and the culture that its team seeks to foster. If you like bubbly, you’ll want to give this interview a listen.

Our November 27th, 2022 show on WCGO Radio (1590 AM & 95.9 FM) featured Chris Bernal of Davanti Enoteca and Scott Harris Hospitality. We had a fantastic discussion about his path to wine and the joys, and challenges, of being a wine specialist at a popular restaurant! Chris really, really knows his wine, so it was wonderful to pick his brain for the kind of specialist knowledge that only an experienced industry professional can provide.Tom and Lainie also shared stories of their recent visit to Vin 312 Winery in Ravenswood and Lainie's visit to Robert et Fils in North Center.

Our guest (November 20, 2022) was Nika Nemirovsky from Augusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square, and we had a blast! We talked about her path to wine, and what it is like working in an independent wine and food shop. We also snarked on some silly wine gifts.

Kevin Kenny of Door 24 in Bucktown was our featured guest this week. We talked about Kevin’s path to wine, his decision to open a business, and, because ‘tis the season, holiday wines and good pairings with your favorite traditional foods.We also welcomed special guest Jerry Vasilatos, an independent film director and producer who created Solstice, the very first Lifetime Channel Christmas special. Set in 90s Chicago, the film has proved a sentimental favorite that continues to attract attention decades later, spawning an award-winning documentary about its production and even garnering a recent mention in Film Threat.

We had a great second show on WCGO Radio! Chip, Tom, and Lainie were in the studio along with Liz Ahearn of Picnic Wine & Provisions (Rogers Park). You can get all the show’s details, along with links to businesses and events mentioned, here.CHICAGO WINE NEWSAugusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square is now open on Mondays throughout the holiday season! Visit the shop from 11 am – 7 pm. (There is some speculation that these hours might continue even after the holidays.) Augusta’s Shad Martin was also a recent guest on WGN’s Daytime Chicago, talking about the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Fall Wine Stroll. Chicago Winery is open for business. This is a real, working winery in Downtown Chicago that is also home to LIVA, a full-service restaurant. Alpana Singh’s wine-driven restaurant, Alpana, was recently featured on CBS News Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley.CHICAGO WINE EVENTSA list of upcoming wine events in the Chicago area. A * in front of the date indicates that this is the first time the event has been listed in the newsletter.November 9th: Joe’s Imports in Fulton Market is holding a special happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm to launch its Wine x Web3 NFT wine club. Attendees will have a chance to win a Bronze Level membership.*November 10th: Easy Does It is hosting a Pizza Party & Wine Tasting between 6 pm - 9 pm: Professor Pizza pops up with NYC slices and Easy Does It will pour four wines for tasting. $15 per person, purchase tickets online (walk-ins are welcome).*November 11th: Easy Does It is partnering with distributor Vom Boden to offer a “Hot Dog Happy Hour” from 6-9 pm. Tasty dogs, inspired wine pairings. . .sounds great to us! $15 and you can purchase tickets online (walk-ins are welcome).November 12th: The Wine Goddess in Evanston is holding its Thanksgiving Mega-Tasting from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online.November 16th: WineStyles in Norwood Park hosts a Back in the USA wine class from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.November 16th: Le Midi in Wicker Park hosts Wines to Pair for Thanksgiving from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. RSVP and prepayment of $65 are required. Email [email protected] to reserve. Tickets are limited and there is a strict 48-hour cancellation policy.November 19th: Beautiful Rind in Logan Square hosts a producer pairing tasting with Vom Boden. Cheese and wine pairings will be available for sampling from 3:00-5:00 pm. The tasting is free and does not require a reservation. You can, however, reserve a larger sampling of cheese and paired wine at additional cost via the Beautiful Rind’s website.November 27th: All Together Now hosts The Great Wine Down with Alexander Great between 2 pm-5 pm. Alexander Great spins tunes while you get to enjoy their happy hour specials.*December 1st: Door 24 offers a class on Washington State wines at 7 pm. The cost is $30 and requires an RSVP.December 6th: Uvae Wine Bar & Kitchen is hosting a South African wine dinner, featuring Babylonstoren wines and its cellar master, Charl Coetzee. The six-course meal includes wine pairings and is $125. Tickets must be purchased in advance.REGULAR WINE TASTINGS IN THE CHICAGO AREABelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at Chicago area wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let us know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information.(A * in front of the date indicates that this is the first time the event has been listed in the newsletter.)57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art. (Lakeview)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. $5, reservations are appreciated but not required. (Rogers Park)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Table, Donkey and Stick holds its “Terrior Tuesdays” every, you guessed it, Tuesday, selling a wine or wines by a featured producer by the glass at wholesale cost. Events sometimes include wine producers as special guests. (Logan Square)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Cork Dork Thursdays and Somm Pick Saturdays offer more extensive wine knowledge. Sign up and pay for your tickets online.Uvae Fromagerie also offers pre-set wine flights of four one-ounce pours for $10 whenever the tasting room is open. (Andersonville)Vin Chicago: Tastings on Saturdays from 12-4 at all three stores (Chicago, Barrington, and Highland Park). Free. No RSVP is necessary. Check out Vin’s Instagram for more details.The Wine Goddess: $5 tastings every Saturday from 3-5 pm. Tastings feature four different wines. (Evanston)FINDING THE CHICAGO WINE REPORTWe are more than a newsletter, podcast, or radio show: We put out content that focuses on the Chicago wine scene (almost) daily!First, check out our Instagram account. In addition to photos and videos documenting our wine adventures, our story feed includes posts from many Chicago wine venues that feature news of special events, happy hours, tastings, and deals. We don’t always have the ability to include all this information in a newsletter or show, but our IG feed is usually hopping with local news.Prefer Facebook?

We made our broadcast radio debut on Sunday. Our station is WCGO in Evanston, and our first show, while a bit bare bones (I didn’t want too many moving parts for our first episode), went great!Many thanks to our guest, Shad Martin of Augusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square. Our conversation was a bit of this and that, and we learned a lot from him! Our guest this Sunday is Liz Ahern from Picnic Wine & Provisions in Rogers Park. Tom and I visited Picnic back in September and had a truly wonderful time. You can read/hear about our experience here.Reminder: We welcome your wine-related questions! Call our voicemail line to leave your question for possible inclusion in our show: 224-210-1620.Planning to Tune In? Here’s How!Yes, our podcast is actually a radio show! Real, old-time radio. Of course, you can always stream our podcast, but we are so excited to also be on the radio dial. Need help tuning in? We can help!Are you in the Chicago area?Technically, the show starts at 10:06 am Central time, but if you are tuning in via our Facebook Page or YouTube channel (the YT channel may be a bit tricky as it is new, so you might be better off on Facebook for now), we start streaming at 10:00 am. This will likely just be a video stream of us prepping for the show, but do say “Hello!” in the comments!If you plan to tune in to WCGO Radio the old-fashioned way, you can do so at 1590 AM, which covers much of the Chicago metropolitan area, including parts of Indiana and Wisconsin. 95.9 FM offers reception in the North Shore and far Northside neighborhoods of Chicago.Outside the Chicago area?You can also stream the show from anywhere via the WCGO Radio website or the Tune-In app.Video StreamingPrefer video to audio? Never fear! We have a live video feed in the studio that streams to Facebook & YouTube. Getting the podcastThe show will continue to be available as a podcast: Subscribe here on Substack or via Apple Podcasts. The podcast version will be available within a few days of its original airing.Every Saturday (or possibly Sunday morning) you’ll get a newsletter with information about Sunday’s show, including links to the businesses and products that we mention. The podcast newsletter will also go out later in the week. Both newsletters are free (though we appreciate your paid subscriptions!).Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links. We may receive a small percentage of any sales made through these links.The Chicago Wine Report is a reader-and-listener-supported publication, radio show, and podcast. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.FIELD TRIPWe’ll be talking more about our visit to Joe’s Imports on Sunday’s show and will soon have members of their team on as guests. Meanwhile, however, I wanted to share some photos of the fantastic food and wine that we got to enjoy while visiting:Joe’s Imports813 W Fulton MarketChicago, IL (312) 736-1750HOURSTuesday - Thursday: 5pm-10pmFriday: 3pm-11pmHappy Hour; Tuesday-Friday: 3pm-5pmSaturday Brunch: 10am-3pmSaturday Dinner: 4pm-11pmSunday Brunch: 10am-3pmSunday Dinner: 4pm-9pmCHICAGO WINE EVENTSNovember 10th: Lincoln Square-Ravenswood Wine Stroll. Purchase tickets online for $40-$45.November 12th: The Wine Goddess in Evanston is holding its Thanksgiving Mega-Tasting from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online.November 16th: WineStyles in Norwood Park hosts a Back in the USA wine class from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.November 16th: Le Midi in Wicker Park hosts Wines to Pair for Thanksgiving from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. RSVP and prepayment of $65 are required. Email [email protected] to reserve. Tickets are limited and there is a strict 48-hour cancellation policy.November 19th: Beautiful Rind in Logan Square hosts a producer pairing tasting with Vom Boden. Cheese and wine pairings will be available for sampling from 3:00-5:00 pm. The tasting is free and does not require a reservation. You can, however, reserve a larger sampling of cheese and paired wine at additional cost via the Beautiful Rind’s website.REGULAR WINE TASTINGS IN THE CHICAGO AREABelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at Chicago area wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art. (Lakeview)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. $5, reservations are appreciated but not required. (Rogers Park)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Table, Donkey and Stick holds its “Terrior Tuesdays” every, you guessed it, Tuesday, selling a wine or wines by a featured producer by the glass at wholesale cost. Events sometimes include wine producers as special guests. (Logan Square)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Cork Dork Thursdays and Somm Pick Saturdays offer more extensive wine knowledge. Sign up and pay for your tickets online.Uvae Fromagerie also offers pre-set wine flights of four one-ounce pours for $10 whenever the tasting room is open. (Andersonville)Vin Chicago: Tastings on Saturdays from 12-4 at all three stores (Chicago, Barrington, and Highland Park). Free. No RSVP is necessary. Check out Vin’s Instagram for more details.The Wine Goddess: $5 tastings every Saturday from 3-5 pm. Tastings feature four different wines. (Evanston)Follow UsFacebookInstagramYouTube Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at

Hello! Welcome to another episode of the Chicago Wine Report. Please excuse our dust as we transition from a podcast to a radio show: We debut at 10 am (central) on WCGO Radio (1590 AM, 95.9 FM), which serves the Chicago metropolitan area. For our loyal listeners and subscribers, here are the details:* The show will continue to be a podcast and available here on Substack. Nothing will change with how you continue to access the show.* WCGO is a broadcast station and the AM signal has a massive reach throughout the Chicago area, including Naperville and other western suburbs, as well as parts of Indiana and Wisconsin. The FM signal is confined to the North Shore and north side neighborhoods. * If you are outside the WCGO listening area or don’t have easy access to a radio, you can stream our show via the WCGO website or by using the TuneIn app.We are incredibly excited to bring a Chicago-wine-focused show to the airwaves. As always, we thank you for your support!Chicago Wine Report is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.FIELD TRIPSLe MidiLe Midi is open for business! Formerly Joe’s Wine Cellar, Le Midi has undergone a massive renovation by Seth Wilson and Craig Perman. While the excellent selection of bottles for retail purchase remains shelved against the east wall, the rest of the space has been transformed by cool blue hues and a decidedly subdued vibe. Plenty of seating is available, including within the front patio area and a huge communal table at the center. The menu features a rotating cast of wines by the glass along with a simple (but wonderful) menu of small bites, including a rather remarkable entry entitled “Crostini w/ Tuna Belly,” pictured below: The cheese and charcuterie are also not to be trifled with:Service is knowledgeable and relaxed: I never felt rushed or hurried, even though the place was buzzing. Feel free to ask your server for recommendations and their preferences. . .they know what they are talking about. The wine lists here (both glass and bottle) are excellent and innovative. If you are looking to try something out of the ordinary, you’ve come to the right place. The glass list, in particular, offers pours from some pretty high-end bottles: You’ll pay for the privilege (some of the glass pours are in the $30ish range) but it’s cheaper than springing for a bottle. Le Midi2108 West Division StreetMon — ClosedTues-Thurs — 12-10 pmFri–Sat — 12-11 pmSun — 12-6 pm(773) 303-4884Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting RoomI made a second visit to this lovely shop, this time for their free Tuesday wine tasting and was in no way disappointed:The wines were delicious, even the Sauvignon Blanc, which surprised me by smelling and tasting of gooseberries without a hint of cat pee (“Eau de chat” has become a standard feature in many Sauv Blancs lately, much to my disgust). I enjoyed talking with the wine rep and the bartender. . .so much so that I found my way over to the bar for another glass (or two) and some cheese.Speaking of cheese: The tasting room at Uvae has a fine selection of cheeses and they are happy to put together a flight for you. For $10, a selection of three kinds of cheese, plus spreads and crackers, is a serious bargain. Let your server select your cheeses for you if you want maximum enjoyment. They know what they are doing here.Two special treats also lurked on the menu: The first was an Italian Viognier. I’m typically not fond of the grape, but the 2018 Tenimenti d'Alessandro Toscana Bianco made me reconsider my position. Crisp, beautiful acid, and a great accompaniment to food, this is one bottle I’d advise picking up at Uvae. The second was a plate of deviled eggs:The eggs and filling are pristine, but check out those toppings! Little cheese crisps plus candied chips of bacon/onion jam. Nom.Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room5553 N. Clark St. Sunday & Monday 1 – 8 pmTuesday to Saturday 12 – 9 pm773-654-1432 Independent SpiritsI’ve been remiss in visiting Independent Spirits’ weekly wine tastings since they restarted them this year. It’s a real shame, too, because this is one of my favorite shops and its free tastings always feature top-notch bottles.This week’s selections hail from South Africa and were presented by a rep from Kestral Wine & Spirits. I’ve been super-impressed by the South African bottles I’ve tried lately, and this lineup was no exception:I can remember a time when I really disliked South African wines. Lately, they’ve become some of my favorites. The Thorne & Daughters “Tin Soldier” Semillon was a particular standout and perhaps the sexiest white wine I’ve ever tried and JH Meyer "Palmiet" Chardonnay will upset all of your Chardonnay stereotypes.Independent Spirits5947 N BroadwayTuesday - Saturday 12 to 7 pmSunday 12 to 6 pm(773) 989-2115WINE OF THE WEEKOn this week’s show we sampled Pietracupa Greco di Tufo 2018. Recommended to me by Le Midi owner Seth Wilson, this Italian white proved a rare treat. Le Midi co-owner, Craig Perman, often likes his white wines to have a bit of age on them, and I can’t help but wonder if he was cellaring this bottle until he felt it was just right: The wine itself is a beautiful, rich gold color that likely reflects the 4+ years that it’s been around.We were blown away by the richness of this wine: Chip and I have, lately, been complaining about the lack of balance often found in many European wines, particularly those grown in warmer climates. Pietracupa Greco di Tufo is grown in Campania (southern Italy) and there are distinctive tropical notes, but nothing is out of whack: Tom noted that while there was a strong flavor of lime, it is more like a lime pickle. I felt that the wine had some spiciness to it, and Tom’s remark brought home a memory of Indian lime pickle as I sipped away.This is a surprisingly rich wine: We noted a bit of oiliness as well as beeswax. Alcohol is reasonable at 12.5%. (I only wish I had had some whitefish on hand for pairing purposes.) Of course, wines of this quality don’t come cheap, and I paid about $42 (with tax) for this bottle. Not an everyday wine to be sure, but definitely worth savoring with friends.CHICAGO WINE NEWS & EVENTSOctober 7th - 9th at Jonquil Park: Lincoln Park Wine Fest. FRI: 5-10pm; SAT: 11-10pm; SUN: 11-7pm. Tickets range in price depending on when purchased and whether you opt for standard vs. VIP tastings.October 13th at The Wine Goddess: The Wines of Spain. 7:00 – 8:30 pm. RSVP online, tickets are $60.October 22nd: Bucktown Fall Wine Walk, sponsored by Door 24 Wines. October 24th at Uvae Restaurant and Wine Bar: Wine Dinner fundraiser for The Evolved Network. 6-8 pm. Tickets are $120 and include five courses with wine pairings.REGULAR WINE TASTINGS IN THE CHICAGO AREABelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at Chicago area wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art. (Lakeview)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. $5, reservations are appreciated but not required. (Rogers Park)Red & White Wines c

We’re back! Chip is back in town and we’ve resumed our Chicago Wine Report podcasts, at least for the next few weeks. Starting October 16th, the Chicago Wine Report will broadcast live on WCGO Radio (1590 AM & 95.9 FM) between 10 - 11 am (central time). A podcast will also be available for on-demand listening.Of course, this newsletter will continue and we will also be producing additional content from time to time. We are thrilled to bring our show to the radio and look forward to sharing our new format with you!More details will be available as we get closer to our debut date!FIELD TRIPMy latest field trip was to Picnic Wine & Provisions in Rogers Park, a delightful establishment that is both a retail shop and wine bar. The space itself feels like a private villa/cottage and the interior, with its white walls and many nooks and crannies, is decidedly different than many wine establishments here in the city.The selection of wines is excellent, as are the provisions on offer. Some set platters are available, but you can also purchase items and create your own meal or snack. We particularly recommend the Troon Vineyards Vermentino, which really hit the spot.Super-friendly staff and customers as well. I very much enjoyed talking with everyone there and taking part in sharing wine and snacks with others. It’s hard to convey the spirit of this place in words. . .I’d recommend making a visit as soon as possible.Picnic Wine & Provisions7301 N. Sheridan RoadChicago IL 60626Phone: 773-856-0000Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 3:00pm - 7:00pmThursday: 3:00pm - 8:00pmFriday: 3:00pm - 8:00pmSaturday: 1:00pm - 8:00pmSunday : 1:00pm - 7:00pmWINE OF THE WEEKThis week’s wine is one of my favorite wines that we’ve reviewed and, given his raptures about it, I suspect one of Chip’s favorites as well. A truly outstanding Pinot Grigio that defies all the negative stereotypes about this grape and the wines made from it.Aromatic, balanced, and rich. . .this is a superb sipping wine, though it went beautifully with the hummus and chips that we had as a snack. I picked the bottle up at Rockwell Bottle Shop & Coffee (a block south of the Rockwell brown line station) for less than $20 with tax. An excellent value for a wine that is sure to please just about anyone who tries it. Kellerei Bozen Cantina Winery Pinot Grigio 2021Südirol-Alto AdigePurchased from:Rockwell Bottle Shop & Coffee4634 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60625CHICAGO WINE NEWS & EVENTSSeptember 29th: Lincoln Park Uncorked (wine & beer stroll): 6-9 pm. Tickets range in price depending on when purchased. If available, tickets at door will be $60 each.September 29th at The Wine Goddess: The Wines of the Pacific Northwest. 7 pm - 8 pm. $60 tickets, RSVP online.October 1st at The Beautiful Rind: Producer Pairings Session: Aquitane Wine Company. 4pm - 6pm. Free tasting, optional add-ons (cheese boards and flights) are available at additional cost. RSVP if you can online.October 7th - 9th at Jonquil Park: Lincoln Park Wine Fest. FRI: 5pm-10pm; SAT: 11am-10pm; SUN: 11am-7pm. Tickets range in price depending on when purchased and whether you opt for standard vs. VIP tastings.October 13th at The Wine Goddess: The Wines of Spain. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. RSVP online, tickets are $60.REGULAR WINE TASTINGS IN THE CHICAGO AREABelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at Chicago area wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art. (Lakeview)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. $5, reservations are appreciated but not required. (Rogers Park)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Table, Donkey and Stick hosts “Terrior Tuesdays” every week, selling a wine or wines by a featured producer by the glass at wholesale cost. Events sometimes include wine producers as special guests. (Logan Square)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Cork Dork Thursdays and Somm Pick Saturdays offer more extensive wine knowledge. Sign up and pay for your tickets online.Uvae Fromagerie also offers pre-set wine flights of four one-ounce pours for $10 whenever the tasting room is open. (Andersonville)Vin Chicago: Tastings on Saturdays from 12-4 at all three stores (Chicago, Barrington, and Highland Park). Free. No RSVP is necessary. Check out Vin’s Instagram for more details.The Wine Goddess: $5 tastings every Saturday from 3-5 pm. Tastings feature four different wines. (Evanston) Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

NEWS & A CORRECTIONGreetings!First, the podcast contains a small error. During this week’s show, I mentioned that I purchased a “rambunctious” bottle of Denis Lattard Roussane (2018) at Easy Does It, the bottle was actually purchased at Diversey Wine. The wine, by the way, is delicious and was a perfect match to a meal of hummus, dolmas, and turshi from Salam Restaurant. Second, Chip is heading out for a vacation and will return in late September. The podcast is likely going on hiatus during this time (unless I feel inspired in some way) but never fear: The newsletter will continue until he returns. Third, as we mention in the podcast, we are going to have a major announcement regarding the Chicago Wine Report at the beginning of October. Stay tuned.LainieFIELD TRIPSThis week’s field trips were to two Logan Square wine businesses:Easy Does It (wine bar + retail)Diversey Wine (bottle shop)WINE REPORTSThis week we focused on two California rosés:Arnot-Roberts Rosé 2021 (Easy Does It)Inconnu Lalalu Rosé 2019 (L & M Fine Foods)Wine EventsSeptember 1st, 2022: Augusta Food & Wine (Lincoln Square) is hosting a free fine French wine tasting on Thursday. The tasting starts at 5 PM (an hour earlier than their normal Thursday tastings) and will continue until they run out of wine. September 15th, 2022: Door 24 Wines offers a German wine class. Start time is 7 PM, RSVP required, cost is $35.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art.Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. Free with purchase.Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville) Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings! Apologies for the lateness of this newsletter/podcast: We had technical difficulties last week and this week has been jam-packed. We should be back on our regular schedule next week.Sadly, the above-mentioned technical difficulties meant that our episode on California Chenin Blanc was unusable. However, we really did love the wines we tried, both from Independent Spirits:LIE DIT CHENIN BLANC SANTA YNES VALLEY 2019LEO STEEN SAINI FARMS CHENIN BLANC DRY CREEK VALLEY 2019FIELD TRIPSThis week’s field trips were to:Red & White WinesDoor 24L & M Fine FoodsWINE REPORTSThis week we focused on two white wine blends from France!Château Laubarit Entre-Deux-Mers 2020 from Red & White $24Eric Texier Adéle 2020 from Door 24 $22.99Wine EventsAugust 20, 2022: All Together Now has a pop-up booth at the Mt. Joy Concert at the Salt Shed. August 24th, 2022:" BottlesUp! hosts Burgundy Basics class at 7 pm, $45 per person.August 25th, 2022: Door 24 hosts an orange (skin contact) wine tasting class at 7 pm. The cost is $30 and you can sign up online.August 28, 2022: All Together Now hosts The Great Wine Down with Alexander Great from 3-6 pm.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)BottlesUp! First Friday tastings take place the first Friday of every month and include free wine tastings plus new, in-store art. Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. Free with purchase.Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville) Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Guests this week included Joe Fedorko of DB Comedy and Scott Clapper, an international flight attendant!Wines of the WeekDomaine Dupuy de Lome 2020 Bandol RosePurchased from Beautiful Rind.Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly 2019 Gamay RosePurchased (via special order) from Augusta Food & Wine.ObservationsLainie is noticing an uptick in the availability and selection of excellent conservas (tinned fish) in Chicago venues. Check out:L & M Fine FoodsRed & White WinesBeautiful Rind (try the garlic cod)All Together Now Augusta Food & WineIndependent SpiritsWine EventsAugust 11, 2022: BottlesUp! hosts BeyoU Ladies' Night: The Summer Bash, offering snacks, wine tastings, and pop-up shops. Tickets are $10.August 25th, 2022: Door 24 hosts an orange (skin contact) wine tasting class at 7pm. Cost is $30 and you can sign up online.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Picnic Wine & Provisions holds wine tastings from 5-8 pm on Thursdays. Free with purchase. Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 6 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Chicago Wine Report! Our friend Joe Fedorko of DB Comedy joined us for a tasting of some fantastic Rieslings and, as a special bonus, a sparkling rosé made from Blaufränkisch. Wines of the WeekAll of this week’s wines were purchased from Augusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square. Matic Rose Mea Blaufrankisch Pet Nat (July wine club wine)Joseph Cattin Riesling 2020Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling Semi-Dry 2020Wine NewsRed & White Wines to offer a full dinner menu on Thursday evenings along with no corkage on bottles purchased from the wine shop. Open until 8 pm on Thursdays. (773)-486-4769 Wine EventsJuly 28th, 2022: Independent Spirits hosts a free tasting of Domaine Zafeirakis wines this Thursday from 5-7 pm. Free, no RSVP required. independentspiritsinc.com (773) 989-2115July 28th, 2022: Hinsdale Wine Shop is hosting “An American Summer - A Fine Wine Tasting Event.” 40 wines will be poured and the ticket price is $12. Sign up at Eventbrite.August 11, 2022: BottlesUp! hosts BeyoU Ladies' Night: The Summer Bash, offering snacks, wine tastings, and pop-up shops. Tickets are $10.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 6 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s podcast brought a bit of news from the wine world, some worry about climate change, and a tasting of two really delicious rosé wines: Christina Rosé 2021 (imported by Jenny & François) and Dupeuble Beaujolais Rosé 2020 (imported by Kermit Lynch). Both were purchased at Printer’s Row Wine Shop.Wine NewsIndependent Spirits (Edgewater) turned 9 on Tuesday!5947 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660IndependentSpiritsInc.com(773) 989-2115Closed Mondays, free wine tasting from 5-7 on ThursdaysField ReportsI visited 016, the Lincoln Square Serbian restaurant that was recently named one of the top 100 restaurants in the country by Yelp. Delicious food and some very tasty wine. Strongly recommended!O165077 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625(773) 271-7006Wines tried: Zvonko Bogdan's “8 Guitar Players” (Field Blend: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc) and Sauvignon Blanc.I made my second visit to Printers Row Wine Shop and was able to stay for some wine and a bite. The grilled cheese sandwich (with prosciutto and fig jam for dipping) was incredible, as was their lovely on-tap rosé (served in a carafé). Don’t miss the cayenne and rosemary cashews!Printers Row Wine Shop719 S DearbornCHICAGO, Illinois 60605(312) 663-9314Wine EventsJuly 21st, 2022: Door 24 Wine is hosting a Sicilian Wine Tasting/Class at 7 pm. Cost is $30 and you can sign up online.July 28th, 2022: Hinsdale Wine Shop is hosting “An American Summer - A Fine Wine Tasting Event.” 40 wines will be poured and the ticket price is $12. Sign up at Eventbrite.August 11, 2022: BottlesUp! hosts BeyoU Ladies' Night: The Summer Bash, offering snacks, wine tastings, and pop-up shops. Tickets are $10.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 6 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Wine of the WeekMatteo Braidot Ribolla Gialla 2019 from Italy. Stone fruit, beeswax, wildflower, lemon curd. Acid is balanced, not crazy. A delicious wine at a great price.Purchased from Augusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square. If you haven’t been to this shop, get thee over there: It’s a great place. Don’t miss their Thursday tastings (see the tasting list below) or the gourmet halvah that’s on their shelves.Chicago Wine NewsSpeaking of Augusta Food & Wine, I attended last Thursday’s tasting and got to try a wine that I’ve had my eye on for awhile: Red Tail Ridge Cab Franc Dry Rosé 2021 by winemaker Nancy Irelan. Really delicious, has a good price point, and is a welcome addition to my pink wine rotation. I’ve also seen it at Taste in Rogers Park, so I advise calling around to see if your favorite wine shop has this bottle.Closed for RenovationsJoe’s Wine Cellar’s closed for rebranding July 10th. The shut-down will last about a month before reopening as Le Midi Get on their mailing list for updates on their new website.Chicago Wine EventsJuly 21st, 2022: Door 24 Wine is hosting a Sicilian Wine Tasting/Class at 7 pm. Cost is $30 and you can sign up online.July 28th, 2022: Hinsdale Wine Shop is hosting “An American Summer - A Fine Wine Tasting Event.” 40 wines will be poured and the ticket price is $12. Sign up at Eventbrite.August 11, 2022: BottlesUp! hosts BeyoU Ladies' Night: The Summer Bash, offering snacks, wine tastings, and pop-up shops. Tickets are $10.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Tuesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 3 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Wine of the WeekThis week’s show included a tasting of Bodrog Borműhely Dry Tokaj 2019, an entry-level blend of 80% Furmint and 20% Hárslevelű grapes. Bone dry (we were expecting it to be slightly sweeter) it is super-fresh with notes of lemon, lime, and pineapple. We compared it to higher-end New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs but without the high price tag or cat pee notes. I picked this one up at Augusta Food & Wine in Lincoln Square. If you haven’t been to this shop, get thee over there: It’s a great place. Don’t miss their Thursday tastings (see the tasting list below) or the gourmet halvah that’s on their shelves.Chicago Wine NewsHoliday ClosuresRed & White Wines is closed through July 7th to give staff some time off. All Together Now is closed through July 8th.Closing for RenovationsJoe’s Wine Cellar’s last day of service will be July 10th. They’ll be closed for about a month for renovations and rebranding as Le Midi. Get on their mailing list for updates on their new website.Chicago Wine EventsBottlesUp! is having an American wine tasting on Thursday, July 7th. The idea is to sample wines from across the country. The cost is $35 and you can sign up on Eventbrite.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Tuesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 3 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the latest edition of the Chicago Wine Report! Chip and I were joined by our friends Joe Fedorko (Joe is with DB Comedy which produces “The Electables”) and Tom Hall. We tried these gorgeous wines, both made in California from traditional Italian grapes. Æris is a white wine from Rhys Vineyards, a project dedicated to growing Italian grapes in California and making spectacular wines from them. This Æris Bianco Centennial Mountain Vineyard 2017 is made from Carricante. We were all astonished at the complexity and depth of this wine. Ryme Aglianico Rose 2020 was also a huge hit. We were shocked at its substance, salinity, and mouthfeel. If you are looking for a distinctive rosé that can hold its own against all kinds of strongly flavored foods, this one could work.You can find these wines at Joe’s Wine Cellar in Wicker Park, but act fast: Joe’s is closing down for a remodel and a rebranding on July 10th.Chicago Wine NewsRed & White WinesLots of news from Red & White Wines in Bucktown:#1. Red & White has announced a no-corkage Thursday deal. Ordinarily, you can buy a bottle from the shop to drink in its bar area or on the patio for a $10 corkage fee. On Thursdays, you don’t even have to pay that modest charge. A really fantastic deal!#2. Their Saturday tasting runs from 2-5pm and this week’s (July 2nd) features wines from Denis Lattard in the Rhone and Matin Calme in Roussillon. The tasting is $10 per person.#3. Their old chef, Jamie Davis will be in on Sunday (July 3rd) to make chicken sandwiches from 4 to 8 pm. Their $1 oyster special will start at 12 noon until the oysters run out. #4. The shop & bar will be closed from July 4th through the 7th for staff vacation. They reopen Friday the 8th. Stein Rosé Trocken Last week’s podcast featured a Stein Rosé Trocken 2021: We bought a magnum from Red & White and they still have ‘em, but they are sold out of the regular bottles. Fortunately, Perman Wine Selections does have the 750 ml in stock, so hop to it if you want to grab yourself some of this utterly perfect pink wine.Field ReportsReports from being out and about in Chicago’s wonderful wine community!EnotecaRomaDo check out EnotecaRoma in Wicker Park/East Ukrainian Village: A homey, cozy place with both a front and back patio, Enoteca Roma is under the same ownership as Letizia’s Natural Bakery. They have a nice selection of (mostly) Italian wines and multiple wine flight options are available.The bruschetta is also a delight: 10 different varieties are available and you can get a flight of five for $12. Beet and goat cheese arancini is likewise a delight. They have a daily arancini, so be sure to ask when you visit. This plate of three is $12 and is most satisfying.2146 W. Division773-772-7700All Together NowI’ve mentioned All Together Now in the past but wanted to remind everyone of its excellent “Happiest Hour” specials on Sundays (2 to 5 pm) and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3 pm - 6 pm. I’m particularly fond of their cheese and (optional) meat board. Thursday’s spread included a watermelon pickle that was most refreshing. Can’t beat the $5 glasses of wine, either.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Independent Spirits is holding wine tastings from 5-7 pm on Thursdays. Tastings are free and information about the tastings appears on social media. Tastings are free and there is no charge. (Edgewater)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Tuesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 3 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another edition of the Chicago Wine Report! This week featured two guests, Joseph Fedorko and Eoin Boyle: Both gentlemen are foodies, excellent cooks, and gadflies in various local communities. They offered some excellent commentary We shuffled the format a bit to combine both local wine news as well as a Wine of the Week tasting. Enjoy!Come to the 99 Perspectives open house!World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of 99 Perspectives, a production studio for media creators. We offer audio and video recording in our beautiful West Loop workplace. Our next open house is June 25th, 2022. RSVP for your free ticket today: Food and beverages (including wine) will be provided!This week’s field reportsBoth field reports come from shops in Lincoln Square:Augusta Wine & Spirits Thursday Wine TastingAugusta has resumed its Thursday night wine tastings and I (Lainie) was able to make it this past week. A fine selection of five wines was poured to an appreciative group. I was particularly fond of the Edmunds St. John Bone Jolly Gamay Noir. Also, a special shout out to the Wakefield Plantation peanuts that are a staple on Augusta’s shelves!Vom Fass Wine TastingVom Fass hosted Johanna from More than Grapes. She poured some excellent wines, including Le Pianure Prosecco Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry & 2019 Appassimento Rosso Veneto IGT.Recently announced wine tastingsIndependent Spirits5947 N Broadway(773) 989-2115This Thursday (June 23rd) Independent Spirits will offer a free tasting of Italian wines between 5 pm - 7 pm.Upcoming Wine EventsDoor 24 in Bucktown is part of Sunday’s Bucktown Wine Walk: June 26th, 2-5 pm, tickets are $25. All Together Now in Ukrainian Village is hosting “The Great Wine Down with Alexander Great,” a laid-back event on Sunday, June 26th, from 3-5 pm. Alexander Great is DJing and wine and snacks are available for purchase. No cover, no RSVP required.Of NoteCraig Perman of Perman Wine Selections and Joe’s Wine Cellar (soon to become Le Midi) is in Greece right now, checking out vineyards and producers. His Instagram tells the tale.Wine of the WeekOur wine of the week, Stein 2021 Rosé Trocken, was purchased at Red & White Wines in Bucktown: A cult rosé out of Mosel, this is a treat that is not to be missed. (10.5% alcohol also makes it an excellent hot weather or weekday wine!)Imported by Vom Boden, this wine is available in the standard 750ml bottle as well as magnums. Personally, I recommend the magnum: A gorgeous bottle that is sure to be a hit at parties.Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Tuesday (TIME/DATE CHANGE!) at 2 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another edition of the Chicago Wine Report! This week’s podcast features field reports on two businesses that don’t specialize in wine but do a great job of offering it to their customers!We also had an impromptu tasting of a Pinot Grigio that will change your mind about the grape, last-minute news of a local wine tasting, and a report from Chip on wine patios that are open for the summer.Congratulations are in order . . .The Beautiful Rind’s cheesemonger, Cara Condon, won The Cheesemonger’s Invitational competition in New York!Incidentally, The Beautiful Rind is a fantastic cheese shop that offers an amazing selection of wine. Do check out their offerings and take note of the fact that they deliver!This week’s field reportsL&M Fine Foods4363 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 773-825-2370Foodie paradise at this independent grocer and deli. The deli counter alone is worth the trip, plus the fact that the butcher takes special orders and sharpens knives ($5 each). The wine selection is impressive for a small shop, though I’d note that most of the wines hover around the $20 mark (give or take a few bucks). Don’t miss the Lady Edison ham (ask them to cut it paper-thin), which you should try with their house-pickled vegetables. The house white bean dip is also to die for. While at the shop I (Lainie) picked up a bottle of Elena Walch Pinot Grigio, which ended up blowing the minds of both Chip and myself. This is one perfect wine for hot weather! The Book Cellar4736-38 N Lincoln Ave(773) 293-2665On one hand, this is an independent bookstore that offers a thoughtful selection of books along with in-store author events and book club meetings. It also serves as a local wine café with a selection of coffee drinks, tea, and, of course, wine. They are revamping their food menu, so only sandwiches are currently available, but the friendly staff was happy to guide me through their selection of wines. I chose a perky little rosé from Michigan, which was only $9 and great fun to drink.Recently announced tastingsIndependent Spirits5947 N Broadway(773) 989-2115This Thursday (June 16th) Independent Spirits will offer a free tasting of classic French wines between 5 pm - 7 pm. Vom Fass 4755 N. Lincoln Avenue(872) 208-3027Just got word of this today so it didn’t make it into the podcast: Vom Fass in Lincoln Square is having a free wine tasting from 5 pm - 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 16th. Get more details here. (Tip: Visit the Lincoln Square Farmers Market and check out the free tastings at Vom Fass and Augusta Food & Wine. Augusta is across the street on Leland, and Vom Fass is right up Lincoln Avenue.) Wine bar patiosChip confesses to a fondness for drinking rosé on outdoor patios, so he’s made it his business to track down wine bars/bottle shops that operate open-air seating. Here are some places to check out:Angelo’sEasy Does It Outside VoicesRed and White (Noisette)More on these, and other spots, over the coming weeks!Regular wine bar/bottle shop tastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune in!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday at 3 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago.Come to the 99 Perspectives open house!99 Perspectives operates a production studio for media creators. We offer audio and video recording in our beautiful West Loop workplace. Our next open house is June 25th, 2022. RSVP for your free ticket today: Food and beverages (including wine) will be provided! Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another edition of the Chicago Wine Report! This week’s podcast includes reports on several Chicago wine venues and events, plus a quick tip about a favorite budget-friendly rosé. Note about subscription options: The Chicago Wine Report will remain a free podcast here on Substack. Soon, however, we will begin a subscription model for longer newsletters and bonus content (such as wine reviews and video commentary.) We are moving to a subscription model so that we can provide better and more frequent news and information for our listeners and readers.You can start a subscription now (and we are grateful for your support!) though all content will remain free through the end of June. Never fear, however, the podcast as well as links and information for all venues reported, will always be free and you’ll get these updates online, through social media, and email, as you do now. Wine MusingsChip and I recently tasted a wine that neither of us liked very much. Something was decidedly off and Chip’s face screwed up a bit as he struggled to figure out what he was tasting.“There’s something, but I can’t quite figure it out, it’s like I’m tasting steel.”I didn’t initially disagree, but I still wasn’t quite sure. I sipped, sniffed, and sipped again.“Rubbing alcohol!” I blurted. “It tastes of rubbing alcohol!”“Yes!” cried Chip, “That’s it, rubbing alcohol!”Chip wondered why he confused steel with rubbing alcohol. I noted that the two are often associated when we make trips to the doctor: The furnishings are stainless steel and the scent of rubbing alcohol is ubiquitous.Our senses can be tricky: When we drink wine, initial impressions are filtered through our memories and, of course, the flavors and scents that we are familiar with.One of the reasons why I love to drink wine with others is the sharing of impressions, connections, and then the winnowing down to what we might actually be smelling and tasting. Each of us has different memories that we associate with tastes and smells, so the way we describe the same wine can be very different.Have you had a similar experience?Podcast Field Trip ReportsLainie and Chip like to meander around town in search of wine shops, wine bars, and restaurants that serve and sell great wine. Here are our field trip reports for this past week:Joe's Wine Cellar (soon to be Le Midi)2108 West Division StreetChicago, Il, 60622(773) 303-4884I (Lainie) had heard much of Joe’s Wine Cellar in Wicker Park but never quite made it over to visit. It turns out that Joe’s is now under the ownership of Craig Perman (Perman Wine Selections) and Seth Wilson. They are in the process of rebranding the operation, which means that they’ll be shutting down for a few weeks for renovations.Fortunately, I was able to check out the place before it shut down for a facelift: It’s a lovely storefront with a patio and an incredible selection of wine by the bottle and the glass. The WineStation© (see the photo above) is a wine dispensing and preservation machine that allows bars and shops to dispense precise pours while keeping the wine pristine. Seth and I had a friendly conversation about the direction of Joe’s. When it reopens as Le Midi, it will continue to use The WineStation© for glass pours (and yes, half glasses will be available!). The wine selection will be more pointed, however, with an emphasis on France, Spain, and Italy, along with wines from Portugal (Craig Perman’s specialty). There will also be a much more extensive food menu. A transitional tasting is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 15th. The cost is $60 and must be paid in advance. More information is available on Joe’s Wine Cellar’s website.Door 24 Wine2124 N Damen Ave 1st floorChicago, IL 60647(773) 697-3345I stopped by Door 24 Wine to pick up two bottles for the most recent episode of No Chalice Required and my visit happily coincided with the shop’s free weekly wine tasting. A lovely wine rep was on hand to offer samples of some excellent wines and to explain their virtues to us all. This is a fun shop with good owners and a great selection. Check them out!Chip recently made a trip to Trader Joe’s and made note of La Ferme Julien Rosé, a rosé that looks suspiciously like La Vieille Ferme Rosé, aka “The Chicken Wine.” The wines are indeed made by Famille Perrin and appear to be the same blend of grapes. Chip happily noted that the wine was delicious and that it sells for $5.99, which is a steal.I’m thrilled to report that Andersonville has three excellent wine shops within a few blocks of each other: Andersonville Wine & Spirits, Uvea Fromagerie & Tasting Room, and In Fine Spirits. If you can’t find what you need at one shop, a short jaunt should get you to the bottle you want.Chip has been to In Fine Spirits many times, but I recently made my first visit to this shop. The selection was excellent, and I had the opportunity to pick up a truly unique bottle of white Malbec from Argentina. (Yes, a white Malbec!) Many bottles are available cold and the shop also has pre-set cheese boards, cheese spreads, and cured meats available. I look forward to my next visit!News & Upcoming EventsAugusta Food & Wine has resumed Thursday evening wine tastings! The tastings are free, no RSVP required, and take place between six and eight. Please note that Augusta is located right across from the Western Brown Line Station (on Leland). The station is also home to the Lincoln Square Farmer’s Market, which conveniently runs on Thursdays between 3-7 pm (there is a Tuesday morning market as well). Purchase some lovely foodstuffs at the market and then visit Augusta to try and purchase some wine.Célébrez en Rosé, a Black-owned wine and music festival, comes to Chicago on June 25th. Many different ticket packages are available. The festival takes place at Burnham Park (41st and Lake Shore Drive). Gene’s Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square has opened its rooftop bar & grill! Sausages, salads, potato pancakes, giant pretzels, wine, sangria, beer, cider, soft drinks and daily specials are available weather permitting. Cash only on the rooftop, but they do have an ATM available.Hours are: Friday-Saturday: 11 am-8 pmSunday: 11 am-4 pmTip: If in doubt about the weather, call ahead at 773.728.7243.Konbini & Kanpai is now offering delivery of beverages and snacks within a two-mile radius from their store. This service begins Monday (June 13th) at 12 noon. Visit their website to make sure you are within the shop’s delivery range and to place your order.Ongoing TastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:57th Street Wines holds tastings on Thursdays from 5-7 pm and on Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Tastings are usually themed and occasionally the schedule switches up a bit, so be sure to check out their website and call ahead to avoid disappointment. (Hyde Park)Augusta Food & Wine offers free tastings on Thursdays between 6-8 pm. No sign-up is required. (Lincoln Square)Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Red & White Wines continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 2-5 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offer

Podcast Field Trip ReportsI (Lainie) checked out several wine shops this past week and shared my experiences with Chip in our most recent podcast. Visits included:Konbini & Kampai1433 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657(312) 884-9780Chip has reported on this delightful Lakeview shop in the past. I finally got to visit and thought it fantastic. If you are a Japanese beer or sake lover, this is your place (much of their stock is in one of their many fridges). Thoughtful wine selection. Great assortment of Japanese snacks and treats. I look forward to returning!Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room5553 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640773-654-1432 • I got to this place by accident: Was heading out to another tasting but CTA delays interfered. Decided to switch gears and try out Uvae’s wine and cheese shop, which is quite special. Huge list of wines by the glass (and in your choice of 3, 6, or 9 ounce pours), pre-set wine flights (four wines for $10), and fantastic cheese flights (see the photo above). Taste Food & Wine1506 W Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626(773) 761-3663Decided to take a long stroll on Memorial Day and visit this Rogers Park shop. Impressed by the selection of bottles under $20, as well as the quality of the house-made Mediterranian dip! I also love that this shop shares an outdoor patio (actually a street take-over!) with a few other area establishments. News & Upcoming EventsDoor 24’s Loire Valley wine class takes place on Thursday, June 9th at 7 pm. The cost is $30 and you must sign up online. I’ve attended one other class at Door 24 and enjoyed it very much. Great way to try different wines and meet other wine people.Perman Wine Selection has updated their Six for Everyday—$20 and Under monthly wine assortment and it looks pretty good! I appreciate that Perman takes the approach of selecting 12 “everyday” wines each month in two price categories: Under $30 and under $20. You can buy the wines separately, of course, but the staff at Perman recommends purchasing the whole set for maximum enjoyment and building your wine collection!Ongoing TastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup! (Bucktown)In Fine Spirits advertises regular free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5 to 7 pm and Saturdays from 3 to 6 pm with an occasional Thursday tasting (which will be announced on their social media and in their newsletter). (Andersonville)Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed. (Lakeview)Red & White (mentioned above) continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 1-4 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to participate at no added cost. The Red & White Wines newsletter usually releases information about the tastings the day before. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect. (Bucktown)Taste Food & Wine hosts $5 tastings on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 10% off the featured tasting bottles if you take one home that evening. Snacks are available at an additional charge. (Rogers Park)Uvae Fromagerie & Tasting Room offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesdays. Wine flights of four one-ounce pours are also available for $10 when the tasting room is open. As of publication, their hours are Sunday & Monday 1 pm – 8 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm. (Andersonville)Tune In!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday at 3 pm (CT) on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services.World Perspectives Radio Chicago is part of the 99 Perspectives studio here in Chicago. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Field ReportsI (Lainie) recently visited All Together Now in Ukrainian Village for the first time and fell in love. Wonderful staff along with a great selection of bottles, cheeses, small fish in small cans, and charcuterie. It’s a lovely little wine bar, as well: I was lucky enough to arrive during “Happiest Hours,” which are from 3 pm -6 pm Tuesday through Thursday and 2 pm -5 pm on Sunday. Enjoyed a lovely cheese and meat board along with an incredible $5 glass of Muscadet. The knowledgeable staff also recommended two wines by Ingrid Groiss, which ended up being reviewed on our weekly wine podcast, No Chalice Required.2119 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622(773) 661-1599(Right off the Chicago Avenue 66 bus & within walking distance of both Damen 50 and Western 49 bus lines.)A few days later I visited Bucktown’s Red & White Wines, a long-time favorite of mine. They were offering their regular Saturday tasting, this one featured wines made by Raphael Monnier of Ratapoil and Avis de Tempete. The wines were delightful and I can particularly recommend the Avis de Tempete, Viognier '19. The shop’s stock of these Jura wines is limited, so I recommend paying a visit soon. After the tasting, I enjoyed a glass of Brand, Pur WilderSatz '20, a low-alcohol field blend by the incomparable Brand Bros. (I am sorry to report that it has already sold out).Red & White Wines1861 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647(773) 486-4769(Easily accessible from the Western Blue Line station, the Western Avenue 49 bus and the Milwaukee Avenue 56 bus.)News & Wine AvailabilityPerman Wine Selections reports via its newsletter that it has an allocation of Chablis from Thomas Pico of Domaine Pattes Loup. Supplies are very limited, so it is advisable to call, stop in, or email ASAP to reserve your selections. Perman is a shop where they will store your credit card information for easy ordering.1167 N Howe StreetChicago, IL 60610312.255.8990Upcoming EventsDoor 24’s Loire Valley wine class takes place on Thursday, June 9th at 7 pm. The cost is $30 and you must sign up online.Ongoing TastingsBelow is a list of regularly scheduled tastings at local wine bars and shops. Many are free or low-cost, but it is always a good idea to contact the shop/wine bar ahead of time to be sure.This list is hardly comprehensive, though I hope it will eventually become so. Please let me know if you’d like to recommend a spot or need to correct any information:Door 24 holds regular tastings every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. These are free and no sign-up is required. Get on their social media pages for updates on their Friday night lineup!Konbini & Kanpai holds regular wine tastings (often on Wednesdays and usually free), plus additional tastings of beer, sake, and spirits throughout the month. I strongly recommend checking out their online calendar and getting on their mailing list so that you can stay informed.Red & White (mentioned above) continues to offer tastings each Saturday from 1-4 pm. The cost is $10 and their wine club members get to taste for free (see upcoming events below). These days, information about the tastings is usually released the day before in the Red & White Wines newsletter. I recommend getting on the mailing list so that you’ll know what to expect.Uvae offers free hosted tastings from 6-8 pm on Tuesday nights. Wine flights are also available at any time at a cost of $10 for four one-ounce pours. Tune In!The Chicago Wine Report premiers every Wednesday at 3 pm on World Perspectives Radio Chicago. The archive goes up a day or two later here on Substack. You can also listen to No Chalice Required, our wine review show, on Anchor.fm or most other podcast services. Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Short show and report this week. Lainie spotted two upcoming Chicago wine events of note: Minum Wines: Producer Pairings SessionMinum Wines distributes natural wines in the Chicago area. They’ll be at a special, free pairing and tasting event at The Beautiful Rind in Logan Square. You’ll also have an option of reserving a flight, cheese board, or both at an additional cost.May 27, 2022  5-7 PMFree, reservations encouraged.Beautiful Rind2211 North Milwaukee AvenueChicago, IL 60647312-300-4535Door 24 Loire Wine TastingThis is another sit-down wine tasting with the folks at Door 24. Tickets are $30.France's Loire Valley Wine Class 6/9 7pm2124 N Damen Avenue1st floor Chicago, IL [email protected] noted, too late, that the Lyric Opera of Chicago had just hosted a wine auction. Lainie and Chip both noted that a wine auction can be a great opportunity to purchase wines that are not readily available in stores while also supporting worthy causes. Finally, we noted that the next episode of No Chalice Required is coming up, focusing on Chardonnay from the West Coast! Available now, download or subscribe today! Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s Chicago Wine Report focused on tastings: Lainie attended two in the past week and noted that we are at the point where it might be possible to attend a tasting every night of the week!Door 24’s Oregon tasting was a delight, featuring a selection of wines from boutique producers. The standout was American Recordings Pinot Noir, which left Lainie thinking of nights on her back porch, drinking this wine (chilled, if you please) while listening to The Drive’s HD2 “Deep Cuts” channel.Seriously, though, it was a great evening. It was a guided, sit-down tasting that provided information about each wine and its producer. If you are wanting to bone up on your wine knowledge, check out these in-depth tastings at Door 24. Perman Wine Selections hosted a tasting with Christos Zafeirakis, the winemaker at Domaine Zafeirakis. The wines were an absolute delight: Delicious and incredible values!Upcoming wine tastings in Chicago: Joe’s Wine Cellar in Wicker park has wine tastings every Thursday from “6 to 8:30ish” PM. Reservations are required and there is a charge to attend. Below is the schedule through the rest of May:May 12th is Australia and New ZealandMay 19th is RoséMay 26th collaborative dinner with Dimo’s Pizza(773) 303-48842108 W Division StreetChicago, IL 60622Andersonville’s In Fine Spirits offers free wine tastings Wednesdays from 5-7 pm and on Saturdays from 3-6 pm. Occasionally they do Thursday tastings as well. Follow them on social media or subscribe to their newsletter to learn about special events. In Fine Spirits is open seven days a week, a relative rarity among small wine shops in Chicago.(773) 506-94635418 N Clark StChicago, IL 60640Konbini and Kanpai is holding a free Wine Wednesday tasting on May 11th, from 6-8 pm. They are also promoting an opportunity to taste 20 different wines for $20 on May 25th, from 6 pm onward. Incredible wine discounts as well. Reservations are required.312-884-97801433 W Belmont Chicago, ILThat’s all for this week. Tune in to No Chalice Required for in-depth wine reviews or listen to World Perspectives Radio Chicago as we develop our programming! Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Chicago Wine Report! We thank everyone for their support of our show, which has aired at World Perspectives Radio Chicago every Thursday at 3 pm Central time. We will continue to bring the Chicago Wine Report at that time, but will also start a new wine-infused news show on the same station on Wednesday afternoons! Stay tuned for exact dates and times!Here’s what we discussed on Thursday, April 28th, 2022:GREEK WINE TASTING AT PERMAN WINE SELECTIONSPerman Wine Selections is hosting a tasting of Christos Zafeirakis’s wines on Monday, May 9th, between 5 pm-7 pm (arrive anytime between 5 and 6:30 pm). $10 to taste, refundable if you purchase a bottle of Zafeirakis wine. RSVP by emailing the shop at [email protected]. Perman is located at:1167 N Howe StreetChicago, IL 60610312.255.8990ANDERSONVILLE WINE WALKThe Andersonville Wine Walk offers participants the opportunity to visit community businesses and sample wine at each stop. This year the walk is on May 15th, 3 pm to 6 pm. The cost is $40 and you have your choice of two routes. KONBINI & KANPAI 20 for $20 WINE TASTINGKonbini & Kanpai is hosting a 20 for $20 wine tasting on May 25th, 2022. The store notes that most of the wines retail for $30+ and they have negotiated serious discounts for those who want to take home three or more bottles. The details, plus the opportunity to purchase tickets, can be found here.Konbini & Kanpai is located at:1433 W Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657312-884-9780DOOR 24 OREGON WINE TASTINGLainie has been reliably informed that there are only a few seats left for Door 24’s Oregon wine tasting on May 5th. Sign up today to try 8 different wines!Door 24 is located at:2124 N Damen Avenue1st floor Chicago, IL 60647773.697.3345NO CHALICE REQUIRED UPDATEOur latest episode of No Chalice Required (Chip & Lainie’s wine podcast) can be found at Anchor.Fm. This week’s show was about Muscadet/Melon de Bourgogne, with wines from Jo Landron and Bow & Arrow.We also talked the Loire Valley, Rośe wine, and climate change! Get full access to Chicago Wine Report at chicagowinereport.substack.com/subscribe