Wine Channel TV and host Jessica Altieri present 10 GREAT CHICAGO WINE BARS for your sipping pleasure here in the Windy City. And yes there are many more to visit, but these 10 are a great start to getting your Chicago Wine Bar tour going for 1017
The Chicago wine scene has gained some serious street credit recently due to the explosion of wine bars showing up in every corner of the city, so if you're in the area and looking for a great atmosphere in which to enjoy a glass of your favorite vino, take a look at 10 of the best wine bars in the Chicago area.
Webster's Wine Bar: One of the most acclaimed wine bars in Chicago, Webster's Wine Bar is a great stomping ground for wine newbies and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Listed by The Wall Street Journal as "one of the 5 best wine bars in the country", Webster's boasts a massive wine list of over 500 labels, and offers delicious small plates for any peckish patrons.
The Lunatic, The Lover, and The Poet: Located inside of an old hardware store, this rustic-chic spot has three levels to explore, including a main floor eatery and wine bar, a lounge, and a basement wine room.
Vera: If you find yourself with a strong appetite while on your search for the perfect wine bar, stop by Vera and experience their Spanish influenced dining menu. Located just under the train tracks in the West Loop Neighborhood, the atmosphere is intimate and inviting, and Vera boasts a hearty selection of wine and spirits.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar: Founded by three former Webster Wine Bar employees in the Humboldt Park area, Rootstock has a wine list to end all other wine lists. If the offerings prove to be too overwhelming for you to choose from, they also offer wine flights to allow you to sample several wines at once.
Bar Pastoral: Bar Pastoral, a spin off of the artisan cheese and wine shop, Pastoral, is an intimate and relaxed neighborhood bistro celebrating local and global wine, meat, and cheese offerings.
Appellation: Like Bar Pastoral, Appellation is another wine bar and restaurant branching off from the wine and cheese shop, Pastoral. Specializing in modern American fare and delicious wines, the menu is simple and satisfying, and the atmosphere is rustic-chic and approachable.
Ampersand: Offering a warm atmosphere and delicious desserts, small plates, and comfort foods, Ampersand is a great spot to visit for fantastic happy hour specials. Ampersand also offers a monthly wine subscription club that includes bottles of their favorite wines, private dinners to preview new menus, and private after-hours tastings.
J9 Wine Bar: Touted as "an upscale neighborhood wine bar" with a relaxed atmosphere, J9 is truly the place for neighbors and friends to casually mingle and partake in global wines, cocktails, and small plates while enjoying each other's company.
Eno: Eno is a delightfully cozy and inviting take on the conventional wine tasting room, and the staff is incredibly passionate about what they do, insisting that they are "committed to your education in wine, cheese, and chocolate". Be sure to try one of their blind wine flights to test your wine knowledge and even find some new favorites to add to your wine rack at home.
The Twisted Vine: Initially started as a wine and gift retailer called The Gourmet Grape, The Twisted Vine is a wine and whiskey bar with a super laid back atmosphere. They offer very light snacks, but encourage guests to bring along their own food to enjoy on the premises as well. This bar is a great place to socialize with friends, and they provide a whole host of board games to challenge friends and strangers alike.