As wine consumption grows in the U.S. and the Chicago region, so does the number of shops popping up to cater to the audience. Here is a roundup up of several recent openings (and one to come) and a new program at an established shop.
The Bottle Shop
The Bottle Shop is an alternative to the mass marketing of wines. “The market is dominated by wines sold based on scores and points,” said Joe Alter, co-owner with Amy Lafontant of the Wilmette shop. “We taste all the wines we sell, because we’re not sure what points taste like.”
The 350 wines in the sophisticated black-and-white setting come from artisan wineries around the world. They are arranged by grape varietal instead of region and the average price is $15 a bottle. Sample wines during free tastings (5-7 p.m. Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Saturdays) or at occasional dinners in the shop prepared by local chefs. For cheese and wine pairings at home, a small selection of artisan cheeses is available.
1138 Central St., Wilmette; 847-256-7778; thebottleshop.net.
–Nancy Maes
HouseRed
A global mix of about 130 wines from small vineyards are arranged here by region in a charming, rustic setting. “The majority of them are priced at $10 to $15 so people can enjoy them on a daily basis,” said Tara Nemeth, co-owner with her husband Chris Nemeth and Nebojsa Mrvaljevicof the shop that opened just last week. Because Chris Nemeth and Mrvaljevic are former professional musicians, a baby grand piano has a permanent place in the shop. “We want to have concerts and other cultural events and partner with local merchants for other activities so the shop becomes a community gathering place,” Tara Nemeth said.
7403 W. Madison St., Forest Park; 708-771-7733; house-red.com.
–N.M.
Vino 100 & Tinder Box
Wine buying can often be a daunting experience, but not at Vino 100 & Tinder Box in Geneva. “We’re trying to make wine buying as pleasant as wine drinking so people aren’t intimidated,” said owner Michael Ashe. “We don’t allow any wine snobbery in here.” Each wine is individually labeled with the name, type, region, a barometer of flavor and body, as well as suggested food pairings. The majority of the 100 artisanal wines are $25 or less. Also check out the funky assortment of metal wine racks ($28-$125) tucked in between wooden wine boxes and chocolate and cigar selections.
1422 Commons Dr., Geneva; 630-845-8466; vino100geneva.com
–Christina Biggs
Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe
Already well-known for its high-end wine selection, Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe in Northbrook has now added private dining. Wine director Kevin Mohalley and executive chef Matt Fearnbaugh (formerly of Charlie Trotter’s) tuck a delicate, gold-themed table among the store’s stocked barrels and serve meals with thoughtful wine pairings. “There’s a need for this,” said Mohalley. “People don’t always know how to use the wines they buy from us in their homes. We show them how.” The shop is able to accommodate up to 30 guests. Wine prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Guests also can browse the wine-themed games, CDs, books and accessories for sale and take them home in a signature gift box.
824 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northbrook; 847-498-9300; www.knightsbridgewine.com.
–C.B.
Pops Shop
When Pops for Champagne moves from its old digs on Sheffield Avenue to the new River North location in mid-November, look for the addition of the Pops Shop retail boutique. Located in the historic Tree Studios adjacent to the Champagne bar, Pops Shop will sell everything Champagne-related–from wine-region travel guides and books to flutes, stoppers and, well, Champagne and other sparkling wine. Two glass-front refrigerators allow vertical viewing of the entire stock, including a rare find from Italy’s Franciacorta region. “Everyone tends to zone in on the Champagne region of France but we have the ability to expand exposure to 15 or 20 countries,” said owner Tom Verhy. Prices range from $15 to well over $1,000 per bottle.
605 N. State St., 312-266-7676; popsforchampagne.com
–C.B.
