Today is National Wine Day! Y’all know I enjoy a glass of rosé, so this day is very fitting and I indeed will be celebrating with a glass or two.
I thought it would be fun to round up all my favorite places to enjoy a glass of vino. Most of you know that I live outside the city of Chicago in the western suburbs, so most of these are in the Chicagoland area. But I did include some of go to’s when I am in the city.
Chicagoland
Geneva Winery – Geneva, IL
Practically in my backyard- I have found myself a regular at Geneva Winery. It is a small quaint winery in the middle of downtown Geneva. They make their wine on site in one of the old historic homes. They have a lovely patio on the lawn out front, and I am excited to enjoy it this summer because over the winter I drank wine in one of their igloos. I love the cabernet. They also offer wine flights – which are always fun!
Gia Mia – Geneva, St. Charles, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, IL
With locations all over the western suburbs, if you are from the area you have probably been to a Gia Mia. Not only is the food *chef kiss, their wine is amazing too. Wine and Italian food go hand in hand (as you will see a lot of these places are Italian). Be sure to try one of their Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas and housemade mozzarella. Their burrata is a must every time. I order their sparkling rosé, and it is the perfect summer wine!
SixtyFour – Naperville, IL
Wine stations. That’s all I have to say. SixtyFour has 16 wines on tap. I loved the tasting style. You essentially get a card and then can try different wines at your preferred size. They have a variety of wines- from types to price! I cannot speak for the food, but I hear nothing but good things. You can find me on their patio this summer!
Meson Sabika – Naperville, IL
If you are looking for a lovely place to sip on sangria, then Meson Sabika is for you. This tapas restaurant is outstanding. Now only are the grounds just beautiful, the food is amazing too. But let’s start with the sangria. Red, white, rosé, they have some of the best sangria I’ve ever had. Something about a summer night sitting on their massive patio under the trees, flowers, and twinkling lights. Be sure to order a bunch of tapas and share everything.
Evolet Eve Wine Shop – Warrenville, IL
Wine slushies. If that doesn’t scream summer, then I don’t know what else does. Between Blueberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Mango, and Moscow Mule I want to try all of their slushies. Evolet prides themselves on their family-friendly atmosphere.
Turf Room – North Aurora, IL
Another one in my backyard – I am a frequent goer to the Turf Room. Their patio is perfect for happy hour, which I hope they bring back this summer (was paused because of Covid). They seriously have the best hummus ever! They have 3 seasonal flavors and let me tell you, you won’t want to skip it! The Turf Room also has a wine bar that offers wine flights and has a tapas menu.
Lynfred Winery – Roselle, IL
Tasting DeVine Cellars is tasting room locations in Wheaton, Naperville, and Wheeling
I have not been to any of these, but you bet I will give it a try this summer. With $5 glasses of wine on Wednesday’s, who’s wanting to go with me!?
R. Urban – Lisle, IL
This place is just adorable with it’s “Vino Vibes Only” light sign. I love their wine flights and atmosphere in general. With live music on Thursdays and a great Italian small plates menu. Rosé all day am I right?
Galena Cellars Winery – Galena, IL
If you are up for a little bit of a drive, about 3 hours from Chicago, Galena is wine country of Illinois. I have a whole blog post about my weekend getaway there. I recommend spending a weekend visiting all of the wineries Galena has to offer, but Galena Cellars is my favorite. There is also a tasting room in Geneva, IL if you can’t make the drive.
Chicago
City Winery – 11 Chicago Riverwalk, 1200 W. Randolph Street
City Winery has two great locations in the city. One on the Riverwalk which is so much fun during the warmer months, and another in the West Loop. The Riverwalk location is perfect for enjoying wine and people watching. Or you can head to the West Loop location for a fun girl’s night of live music and great wine. City Winery also offers daily and all day Sunday tours of the winery which include a wine tasting. Tickets are $50 per person but check Groupon before you plan your trip because they often have discount tickets.
Pops for Champagne – 601 N. State Street
If there is one kind of wine I love almost as much as rosé, it is champagne. Something about it makes me just feel so classy. Honestly, I haven’t been here yet so I can’t leave an honest review, but I will make my way here this summer. I just discovered this, and I need to go ASAP! Any takers???
Hampton Social – Locations in River North, and South Barrington
If you haven’t been to Hampton Social and taken a picture with the “Rosé All Day” sign, did you really go to Hampton Social? Famous for their frosé, a personal summertime favorite, Hampton Social is the ultimate girls brunch or wine date. The decor is amazing, and their coastal-inspired food, cocktails and live music make it a great atmosphere. Just be sure to get the frosé!
Pizzeria Portofino – 317 North Clark Street, Riverfront
If you want to feel like you have transported to the Amalfi Coast, then Pizzeria Portofino is for you. Located directly on the Chicago riverfront with hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera. This is the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of wine. When I was there, we had a lovely white – frascati superiore – and y’all know I am normally not a white wine gal. But from the atmosphere to the food, and the wine, this is a must stop.
Eataly – 43 East Ohio Street
I needed to included Eataly of course! This mecca of a place is the ultimate wino paradise. Between the market, and the stands, and the restaurants, you are in senses overload. Even if you are just going to grab a quick bottle of wine, Eataly is always an experience. I love it!
Where’s your fav place to drink wine if you are in the Chicago/Chicagoland area!? I am always looking to try new places!
[…] Wine, cheese, outside the perfect summertime afternoon to me. Visiting wineries are so fun, and is a perfect summer date idea in my book. Sipping on some wine, having some good conversation (plus if they have wine slushees!). I would hands down wear a cute sun dress to a winery. It would be breezy in the summer heat, and nothing beats a classic sun dress. If you are in the Chicago area check out my favorite places to drink wine here! […]