What we’re about
The Windy City Wine+ Meetup is a group of friends who enjoy wine, food, spirits and social activities throughout Chicagoland. We're primarily based in the city but will take excursions from time to time in search of new venues & events. However, we are more than just wine tastings & festivals with lots of varied events!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions. As of 9/10/23, I have taken over this group from Tom Besore as he moved out of state. I will continue with the weekly wine meetups in the summer at Millenium Park as we all love those gatherings. I will add a lot of year-round events like dinners with wine pairings, wine classes, wine tastings, wine festivals and maybe an out-of-town trip to nearby vineyards in Michigan.
I run another meetup group called, 1001 Things to See In Chicago Before You Die since 2018 so I am an experienced organizer. We will do a lot of events together with our above sister group so please consider joining that in addition to the wine group. That group is extremely active with 4-5 events a week with all kinds of different events like walking tours, historical sites, museums, live music, festivals and unique experiences! Click here to join: https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via meetup.
Giovina Romandine (organizer for Windy City Wine+)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🏙️ Goat Trails & City Tales: Bucktown Walking Tour 🐐✨St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago, IL
🏙️ Goat Trails & City Tales: Bucktown Walking Tour! 🐐✨
Stroll through one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods and uncover stories of immigrants, industry, and art in this vibrant, ever-evolving community.📅 Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Start Location: Saint Mary of the Angels School, 1810 N Hermitage Ave
🎯 End Location: Margie’s Candies, 1960 N Western Ave
💥 To join this engaging experience, a $20 fee is due at the start of the tour (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo accepted)
🚶♀️ Distance: Approx. 2.3 miles outdoors***
### 🔍 About the Tour
Looking for a distinctive way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Curious about Chicago’s neighborhood stories, immigrant heritage, and evolving architecture? Then join us for a private walking tour through Bucktown, one of the city’s most dynamic and architecturally rich neighborhoods!
Whether you're passionate about historic churches, quirky old businesses, converted lofts, or just love Chicago lore—this is a walk you don’t want to miss.This event brings multiple Meetup groups together for a fun and educational experience. While it’s not officially a photo walk, there will be plenty of photo-worthy moments!
Experience Bucktown like never before on this private walking tour through one of Chicago’s most architecturally rich and historically intriguing neighborhoods. You’ll uncover the stories behind churches, former factories, hidden gems, and iconic local spots that have shaped this vibrant community.
Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, you’ll trace Bucktown’s journey from immigrant roots to creative hub. Spots are limited—reserve yours today and get an up-close look at the history, charm, and character of Bucktown!
***
### 🏘️ What You’ll See
We'll kick off at Saint Mary of the Angels School, and explore a variety of sites, including:
- 🕍 St. Mary of the Angels Church
- 🍻 Lottie’s Pub (*aka Molly’s on Chicago Fire)
- ⚾ Churchill Park Ball Field
- 🗺️ Map Room
- ⛪ Covenant Presbyterian Church (former All Saints Cathedral)
- 🏢 Manchester Lofts (former Manchester Building)
- ⛪ St. Hedwig Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish)
- 🏚️ Former Wojciechowski Funeral Home, John & Lor’s Variety, Sheilka’s Funeral Home
- 🛏️ Ray’s Bucktown B&B
- 🌳 Senior Citizens Memorial Park & Holstein Park
- 🍨 Margie’s Candies (final stop!)
***
### 📜 A Bit of Bucktown History
Part of the West Town and Logan Square community areas, Bucktown is a former Polish and German enclave nicknamed “Kozie Prery” (Goat Prairie) for the many goats raised there in the 1800s.
First settled in the 1830s, Bucktown boomed in the 1890s and early 1900s thanks to waves of Polish immigrants, elevated rail access, and Chicago’s rapid expansion. The area became known for its majestic Polish Cathedral-style churches, some of the most ornate in the city.
Once a blue-collar district of homes, saloons, and churches, Bucktown has undergone major gentrification and is now home to sleek architecture, lively bars, stylish boutiques, and a vibrant creative scene.***
### 🛑 Important Info
- 💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour
- Tour ends ~1 mile from where it begins – please park accordingly - we start at St Mary of the Angels School 1810 N Hermitage Ave, and end at Margie's Candies 1960 N. Western Ave
- Wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather – this is all outdoors!
- 📸 Bring a camera or phone—there’s a lot to capture
- Bring cash if you plan to join for lunch afterward
***
### 🌮 Optional Lunch
After the tour, some of us will head to the fantastic Mexican restaurant Manchamanteles.
Heads up: some venues won’t do separate checks, so bring cash if you’re dining with us!***
### 🚇 Getting There
Public Transit:
Use the CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps.
Driving:
Metered and free street parking available nearby—pay attention to signs, especially for residential permits!***
### ➡️ RSVP here and keep your status up to date. No-shows hurt the planning process, so please update if your plans change.
***
📸 Ready to explore a neighborhood where goats once roamed and architectural beauty still reigns?
Join us as we discover Bucktown’s past and present on this fun and informative summer stroll!
- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wanderers & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- Al Green with special guest The O'Jays at RAVINIA in Highland Park (TIX AVAIL)Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL
Do you love soul, R&B, and the smooth sounds of legends like Al Green and The O’Jays? Then this is the show for you! Let’s see the iconic Al Green and The O’Jays live at Ravinia! We’ll sit on the lawn and turn it into a party — bring your chairs, blankets, food, and wine. We’ll picnic under the stars and groove the night away to timeless hits! These shows tend to sell out quickly, so I recommend grabbing your tickets soon — you don’t want to miss this unforgettable night of music and memories!
**Tickets are $57 for GENERAL ADMISSION LAWN SEATS + service fee. You can also rent a chair and/or table if you do not want to lug one from home. Chairs are $10 and tables are $12.Just add before checkout. I already rented 1 table, so maybe we only need 1 more table? Go here to purchase a ticket, Pick SATURDAY 6/28/25, GENERAL ADMISION LAWN
"Al Green with special guest The O’Jays"
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/al-green#showing_81REMEMBER, BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT, YOU CAN ADD A CHAIR AND/OR A TABLE SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LUG ONE ALONG ON THE TRAIN!
ALSO KEEP IN MIND THERE IS A $24 SERVICE PROCESSING FEE, BUT IT IS FOR THE WHOLE CART, SO IF YOU ARE ATTENDING MORE THAN ONE SHOW, IT IS STILL $24! OR SEE IF YOU WANT TO BUY TICKETS WITH OTHER MEMBERS TO SAVE FEES! ALSO, YOU CAN GO TO THE HIGHLAND PARK BOX OFFICE FOR NO FEES!We are doing the following shows this season at Ravinia, so click on the link here Windy City Wine+ Meetup Events to sign up for any of those shows as well:
- 6/6/25 An Evening with Heart
- 6/28/25 Al Green with special guest The O'Jays
- 7/5/25 Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie /
- 8/21/25 Lenny Kravitz
All of these are posted on Meetup, so sign up for one or all of them! Best to purchase all at once to save fees if attending several shows! It will be a fun summer!
Please try to come early so it is to meet at the front & sit together. I will post my location once I arrive. I plan to arrive at 5 pm when the gates open!
If you drive, it is $25 for parking. For bigger shows, they may send you to satellite lots, so I strongly suggest coming early if you can! Otherwise, you will have to wait for shuttle buses to bring you to the venue. Can also park at the Highland Park Metra station after 4 pm for free & shuttle over. More details here:
https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#trainI will most likely take the Metra. You will need to take the Union Pacific North line. You can get on at Chicago OTC, Clybourn, Ravenswood etc. If you want to ride the Metra with me, meet me at the Ravenswood station, or if you get on before me, then we can meet on the train. Once it gets closer, we can coordinate train time as the summer schedule is not out yet! The train stops at Ravinia’s Tyler Gate (“Ravinia Park” stop)*.
The nearby “Braeside” stop is only a quarter-mile walk from Ravinia. For more info go here
https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#trainPLEASE, BRING FOOD OR DRINKS TO SHARE. WE DO THIS PICNIC POTLUCK STYLE SO ALL MUST BRING SOMETHING! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT AS TO WHAT YOU WILL BRING! I WILL RENT A TABLE, BUT BRING A TABLE IF YOU CAN, SO WE CAN SET UP EVERYTHING!
Al Green is a legendary American soul singer, songwriter, and pastor, best known for his smooth vocals, emotionally rich delivery, and timeless love songs. Rising to fame in the early 1970s, Green became one of the defining voices of Southern soul, blending gospel, R&B, and pop into a deeply expressive and sensual sound. His most iconic hits—such as “Let’s Stay Together,” “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” and “Love and Happiness”—cemented his place in music history as the “Prince of Soul.”
Born in Arkansas in 1946 and raised in Michigan, Green began performing with his brothers in a gospel group before transitioning to secular music. His career took off after teaming up with producer Willie Mitchell at Hi Records in Memphis, where he developed his signature sound. By the mid-1970s, after a string of chart-topping successes, Green experienced a spiritual awakening and shifted his focus toward gospel music, eventually becoming an ordained pastor and founding the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Memphis.
Despite this change, Green continued to record and perform both sacred and secular music, and his influence spans generations of artists across genres. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and remains one of the most celebrated soul artists of all time. His voice, often described as both tender and electrifying, continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of passion, vulnerability, and grace.
https://www.al-green.com/Ravinia Festival is an outdoor music venue in Highland Park, Illinois. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season.
https://ravinia.org/If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the Metra trip planner. https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
If you drive, see the info I gave above on parking, or check Ravinia's website
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- 🍷 Tuesday Wine Tasting with Phoebe @ Taste Food & Wine – Rogers Park 🍷Taste Food & Wine, Chicago, IL
🍷 Tuesday Wine Tasting with Phoebe @Taste Food & Wine–Rogers Park🍷
🗓️ Tuesday, July 1st, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Taste Food & Wine, 1506 W. Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
💵 Tasting Fee: $5 (donated to a different local organization each month!)Join us for a relaxed and flavorful evening at one of Rogers Park’s favorite neighborhood spots—Taste Food & Wine! Every Tuesday, Phoebe and the team host a fantastic wine tasting featuring a rotating selection of new, interesting, and delicious wines.
🍇 What to Expect:
– Taste several curated wines
– Expand your wine knowledge in a casual, friendly setting
– Support a local charity with your tasting fee
– No pressure—just sip and savor!Taste Food & Wine is known for its warm community feel and expertly curated wine, craft beer, and small-batch spirits. Whether you're a wine novice or enthusiast, this is the perfect way to unwind midweek.
🌟 Pro Tip: Come early if you want to chat with Phoebe and beat the crowd.
No RSVP is needed at the shop, but RSVP here so I know to look for you!
🚇 Steps from the Jarvis Red Line stop. Street parking is available but limited.
🔗 More Event Info
📞 Questions? Call the shop: (773) 761-3663
🌐 Shop Website🍽️ After the tasting, join us for a bite nearby!
Jarvis Square has several great options:
R Public House (next door)
🍴 Menu | 🌐 Website
Luzzat (across the street)
🌐 Menu
Anto’s Pizza (around the corner)
🌐 Menu🚌 Getting There:
Use Google Maps or the CTA Trip Planner for public transit.
🚗 Metered parking on main streets + limited free parking on side streets (watch for permit signs).⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy:
🚫 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze
⏰ Cut-off to update RSVP = event start time
📲 Missed check-in? Message the host directly
❌ Repeated no-shows = removal from the group🍷 Come solo or bring a friend—Phoebe always makes it a fun night! Whether you’re wine-curious or wine-obsessed, this is the perfect way to ease into your summer Tuesdays. Sip, swirl, and savor with great company in a laid-back neighborhood spot. 🌞🍷
