An expansive two-floor winery is opening in the bustling River North area this Saturday. Per the name, Chicago Winery plans to serve wine that has been crushed, fermented and bottled up right here in Chicago.
The project, helmed by First Batch Hospitality, includes a top-notch restaurant, an in-house winery, an exclusive tasting room, and a large event venue.
With successful winery’s in Brooklyn and DC, the hospitality group is including Chicago specific design elements to its layout. The decor is inspired by the city’s transit history and the golden age of passenger train travel, so expect plush booths, golden touches, and plenty of glamour.
There’s a winemaking team dedicated to creating and sourcing the best ingredients, led by the executive director of winemaking, Conor McCormack and First Batch winemaker Erik Subrizi. They plan to produce 3,500 cases of wine from 50 tons of grapes in the winery’s first year, with ingredients sourced from all wine-growing regions across the U.S.— including the, sometimes limited, materials from Midwest grape-growing regions.
For customers interested in a behind the scenes look at the wine-making process, you’re in luck! Chicago Winery is hosting guided tours throughout its 2,500-square-foot facilities—that conclude with a guided tasting in the first-floor tasting room. There will also be a variety of classes available, including an entry-level introductions to wine, an in-depth blending course, and more.
The first-floor restaurant and bar, named Liva, is lead by Aliena alum and Chicago based chef, Andrew Graves. The restaurant serves top quality modern American cuisine with produce and ingredients sourced from local farmers. Another cool aspect? The wine making facility will also be partially visible through the restaurant’s dining room. As for the event space on the second floor, guests are welcome to book the indoor-outdoor area, which includes an enclosed patio with large retractable windows for year-round use. Reservations are now open for the new restaurant.
With the upcoming grand opening slated for this Saturday, November 5th, check out open reservations at the restaurant, and any of the informational wine tours.
Address: 739 N Clark St. Chicago, IL