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Building a great restaurant wine list is not something you can do with ease. It requires extensive research, lots of planning, creating the right wine storage, and so much more. If you are a restaurant owner, you already know all of that and are probably looking for ways to source different varieties of wine without spending too much time curating.
The thing is, you should always spend time curating the bottles that will make it to your wine list. Always work with experts like sommeliers and wine directors (see also: wine directors vs sommeliers) who can help you choose the types of wines that will pair best with the cuisine in your restaurant. However, you can always look through the wine lists of other restaurants to gain inspiration.
This is what we want to give you with this article - inspiration for your wine list! We have gathered a great list of Chicago restaurant wine lists that deserve attention. These places are well-loved by wine enthusiasts and every business owner in the hospitality industry can learn something from them.
Do you find the topic of Chicago restaurant wine lists interesting? If you do, stay on this page and get all the inspiration you need from the following list!
10 Chicago Restaurant Wine Lists That Deserve Attention
This list can be used by people who are looking for a great Chicago restaurant but also by those looking to get wine inspiration. We will discuss the most popular wine from each restaurant and tell you a bit more about the business itself. Let’s jump right into it!
Key Takeaway: Chicago restaurant wine lists are very diverse and unique. If you are in the area, try the most popular wines from some of these lists to have a memorable dining experience and get inspired to build your own unique wine list.
1. El Che Steakhouse & Bar
This Argentine gem boasts the only 100% South American wine list in the United States. This is perfect for those seeking unique wines to pair with their robust, grilled meats.
The most famous wine on this Chicago restaurant wine list is Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec. This Malbec is from the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard in Argentina. The place is known for producing some of the finest Malbecs in the world. It is characterized by its rich, dark fruit flavors, complex minerality, and elegant tannins.
2. Italian Village
Featuring one of the largest wine collections in Chicago, this restaurant offers over 1,300 primarily Italian wines. This wine list provides a comprehensive history of Italian winemaking alongside hearty Italian-American dishes.
The most popular wine on their wine list is Sassicaia. It is a renowned Super Tuscan wine from Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, Italy. It blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and is known for its deep, rich flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of spice. It’s often described as one of Italy’s finest wines.
3. Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar
This restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and commitment to the natural wine movement. Rootstock offers a varied list that includes Jura, Basque cider, sherry, orange wine, and ancestral method sparklers.
In this Chicago restaurant wine list, you will find Domaine Overnoy-Houillon Arbois Pupillin wine. This is a natural wine from the Jura region in France, made from the Savagnin grape. It is highly sought after for its oxidative style, offering flavors of nuts, dried fruits, and a unique earthiness.
4. Table, Donkey and Stick
This Logan Square spot features an alpine-themed menu complemented by an excellent selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and small plates, along with a thoughtfully curated wine list. They offer Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso, which is the most popular wine on their list. This is an exceptional natural wine from Mount Etna in Sicily, made from Nerello Mascalese grapes. Known for its intense minerality, red fruit flavors, and spicy, herbal notes, it embodies the volcanic terroir of the region.
5. Lush Wine & Spirits
Originally a wine shop, Lush has evolved into a wine bar and bistro with a broad selection of wines available for on-site consumption with a minimal corkage fee. Their Roscoe Village location is particularly notable for its eclectic bottle selection. The wine you must try there is called Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche. This wine comes from Burgundy, France, and it's considered one of the best wines in the world. It is renowned for its complexity, depth of flavor, and remarkable aging potential, featuring notes of red and black berries, spice, and floral nuances.
6. All Together Now
Combining a funky wine shop and bistro, this spot offers a modern menu with a great selection of by-the-glass wine and an affordable corkage fee for any of their 150 bottle options. COS Pithos Rosso is the wine you must try there.
It’s an intriguing natural wine from Sicily made from Nero d’Avola and Frappato. It is aged in clay amphorae, which imparts unique earthy and mineral qualities to the bright red fruit flavors and floral aromas. It also makes this place a Chicago restaurant with a unique wine list.
7. Pops for Champagne
Pops for Champagne is a dedicated champagne bar that offers a vast selection of sparkling wines, making it a must-visit for those who love bubbly. When you are there, enjoy Krug Grande Cuvée, which is their most famous wine.
Krug Grande Cuvée is a prestigious non-vintage champagne known for its rich, layered flavors of citrus, apple, nuts, and a hint of honey. It represents the pinnacle of the champagne blending art, with wines from multiple vintages and a long aging process.
8. Siena Tavern
This Italian tavern's extensive wine list includes a special "Elsewhere" section that features wines from around the world. This selection of wine is perfect for pairing with their diverse menu of Italian favorites.
The wine you must try at Siena Tavern is Tignanello. It is produced by Antinori in Tuscany and it is another iconic Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. It is well-loved for its full body, rich flavors of cherry, plum, tobacco, and spice, and smooth, balanced tannins.
9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Known for its long and impressive wine list, Gibsons is the quintessential Chicago steakhouse. They offer a great selection of wines to pair with their certified Angus beef. However, their most famous wine that you really should try if you are visiting is called Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon.
Silver Oak’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly regarded wine known for its lush, opulent flavors of blackcurrant, cherry, and cedar, with a velvety texture and a long, smooth finish. It pairs exceptionally well with steak, which makes Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse a popular Chicago restaurant.
10. The Press Room
This intimate spot offers a diverse wine list with varietals from unexpected countries. The wine pairings in this place are with cheese, charcuterie, and small plates. Perfect for evenings with friends.
The wine you must try at The Press Room is Chateau Musar Red, from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Chateau Musar Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan. It is known for its distinctive, complex flavors of red fruit, spice, and earthy notes, combined with a touch of Mediterranean terroir.
These Chicago restaurants serve wines that are not only famous but also celebrated for their exceptional quality, making them stand out on their respective wine lists. If you can, you should try them for yourself and get inspired for your own wine list and pairings that can be created.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Restaurant Wine Lists
If you want more information about Chicago restaurant wine lists, you should read the answers to these questions.
Why Is El Che Steakhouse & Bar’s Wine List Unique?
El Che Steakhouse & Bar’s wine list is unique because it features only South American wines, primarily from Argentina. This exclusive focus allows guests to explore the rich and diverse winemaking traditions of the continent, perfectly complementing the restaurant's Argentine cuisine.
Are There Many Chicago Restaurants with Unique Wine Lists?
Yes, Chicago boasts numerous restaurants with unique wine lists. These establishments offer diverse selections that cater to various tastes, from rare and exclusive wines to biodynamic and organic options, ensuring a memorable dining experience for wine enthusiasts.
How Do These Unique Wine Lists Enhance the Dining Experience?
Unique wine lists enhance the dining experience by offering carefully selected wines that perfectly complement the restaurant’s menu. These lists often include rare and exclusive bottles, as well as wines from lesser-known producers, providing guests with the opportunity to explore new flavors and pairings that elevate their meal.