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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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