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- Spring Walk of Old Irving Park's Historic District4200 W. Irving Park, Chicago, IL
Spring is here, and so is Chicago walking tour season—time to step outside and explore! If you’re looking for a fresh and engaging way to spend a Sunday afternoon, join us for our latest neighborhood walking tour. This week, we’re heading to Old Irving Park’s Historic District, where a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the area’s charming streets. You’ll uncover hidden gems, admire stunning architecture, and learn about the rich history behind the neighborhood’s homes, schools, businesses, and churches. It’s the perfect way to soak up the spring sunshine while discovering a new side of Chicago.
The walk promises to be delightful on this beautiful spring afternoon. It’s an event that brings together multiple meetup groups! Although it's not exclusively a photo walk, there will be plenty of chances to take photos!
Experience the charm and history of Chicago’s picturesque Old Irving Historic District on a private walking tour led by an expert in the city’s cultural heritage. For just $20 per person, you’ll be immersed in captivating stories, striking architecture, and the unique character that defines this iconic neighborhood. This thoughtfully curated tour reveals hidden gems and little-known details that bring Old Irving to life. Don’t miss your chance to explore one of Chicago’s most beloved areas—
Beginning on the famous Irving Park Road we will walk throughout the historic older section of the Irving Park neighborhood. The tour will take you through the rich history of the area, beautiful boulevards, turn of the century architecture, schools and churches
The tour involves about 2.1 miles of walking outdoors, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the Chicago spring weather.
Please note that the tour ends about one block away from the starting point, so plan your parking accordingly if you are driving. We begin at 4200 W. Irving Park Rd and finish at Eris Brewery & Cider House, located at 4240 W. Irving Park Rd. It will be a short walk back to your car, depending on where you park.
To join this engaging experience, a $20 fee is due at the start of the tour (cash, PayPal, Zelle or Venmo accepted). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Old Irving in a whole new light—let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
After the walk, some of us will get dinner at Eris Brewery & Cider House, a lovely women-owned business in OIP inside a historic building.
https://www.erischicago.com/All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH, AS SOME VENUES DON'T ACCEPT SEPARATE CHECKS!
Old Irving Park is a neighborhood within Chicago’s Irving Park community. Many who live in OIP will tell you they feel like they have the best of both worlds—the conveniences of the city combined with the charm of the suburbs. Iconic Chicago architecture lives in Irving Park, from Victorian mansions to turn-of-the-century bungalows — some buildings predate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
The original name chosen for the suburb was “Irvington” after author Washington Irving, but it was discovered that another town in Illinois had already used the name, so the name “Irving Park” was adopted. The original developers built substantial mansions along Irving Park Boulevard between 1870 and 1874
Initially, Irving Park attracted Chicago's moneyed families seeking large parcels on which to construct mansions. The Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 proved a boon to Irving Park development, as Chicago residents moved in droves to areas outside the city that had not been ravaged. In 1889, Irving Park was annexed into the city of Chicago as part of Jefferson Township. City streets, streetcar service and waterlines lured more residents. Between 1895 and 1914, new owners erected more than 5,000 buildings.
A few places we will stop at:
· 4200 W Irving Park Rd – The Whistle Stop Inn
· 3926 N Keeler - Charles Loucks House
· 3900 N Keeler - C.O. Loucks House
· 3945 N Tripp - The Race House
· 3916 N Tripp - Nuveen House 1892
· 3850 N Tripp - Mt Olive Church
· 3801 N Keeler – Irving Park Methodist Church
· 3601 N Milwaukee - Carl Schurz High School,
· 4362 W Grace - John Gray Mansion
· 3854 N. Kostner – John & Clara Merchant House
· 3857 N Kostner - St John's Episcopal Church
· 4041 N Lowell - Emeril Jensen House
· 4251 W Irving Park Rd. - Irving Park YMCA
· 4240 W Irving Park Rd - ERIS Brewery and Cider HouseIf you are taking public transportation, please check their website for directions or use Google Maps or the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking along Irving, Keeler, Pulaski & surrounding side streets, but pay attention to parking signs, especially permit parking.
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- 41st Annual Chicago Blues Festival at Millennium Park featuring Mavis Staples!Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
Experience Chicago’s rich blues music legacy at the 41st Annual Chicago Blues Festival happening in our backyard! With a diverse lineup celebrating the blues’ past, present, and future, the Chicago Blues Festival shares the great Chicago-born music tradition with the world while shining a spotlight on the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop, and more. A Chicago Icon, Mavis Staples will be closing out the fest on Sunday evening, so you know it will be a great show!
We will meet way at the back of the lawn, right next to the sidewalk.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, and chairs if you like. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our usual 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/2H6tuWwCome later, if you can't make it at 2:30 pm, but do not come too late! Please note, it is closing night and Mavis Staples is headlining so it will get full early! If you come after 6 pm, then there is a good chance you will not be able to get in if the park reaches capacity!!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING, THEN PLEASE BRING IT! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT WE ALWAYS NEED MORE!!! (if you've 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. I will try to bring what I can but since I take the bus I am limited. Those who drive or live close by can really help by bringing some extra items!
NOTE THAT TECHNICALLY OUTSIDE ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED AT BLUES FEST! This is one of the events at Millennium Park where outside alcohol is not allowed. You can bring food and any non-alcoholic drinks. They will be doing bag checks before entering so be prepared for a slight wait to get it in. Corkscrews and cheese knives are also not allowed. You can buy alcohol inside the park at one of the park’s vendors.
I WANTED TO SHARE A LITTLE TIP AND REMEMBER YOU DIDN'T HEAR IT FROM ME! IF YOU'RE THINKING OF BRINGING A BOTTLE OF WINE, IT'S BEST TO CONCEAL IT WELL. THINK DEEP INSIDE YOUR BAG OR BACKPACK, MAYBE UNDER A BLANKET OR SOME SNACKS, SO IT'S NOT IMMEDIATELY OBVIOUS DURING THE BAG CHECK. WE'VE MANAGED TO SNEAK IN A FEW BOTTLES AND CANS IN THE PAST, BUT IT'S NEVER A SURE THING. SO, IF YOU DECIDE TO BRING SOMETHING, DON'T MAKE IT AN EXPENSIVE BOTTLE, JUST IN CASE IT GETS CONFISCATED. A TWIST-OFF BOTTLE WOULD BE BEST FOR EASY OPENING, SINCE CORKSCREWS AREN'T ALLOWED EITHER. BETTER YET, CONSIDER TRANSFERRING THE WINE INTO A PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE OR AN OPAQUE TRAVEL CONTAINER. THE KEY IS TO KEEP IT DISCREET!
The annual Chicago Blues Festival in June is the city’s largest music festival. More than 500,000 blues fans gather in Chicago’s Millennium Park for three days of performances — all free and open to the public — featuring some of the genre’s most revered musicians, along with up-and-coming and local talent.
A Chicago staple for over 41 years, the festival’s diverse lineup has included everyone from B.B. King and Buddy Guy to Etta James and Koko Taylor and beyond. Performances showcase the genre’s contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock, hip-hop, and more. The festival also features local food and drink vendors, along with “Blues Village” featuring different record companies and blues groups.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html
Sunday, June 8, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Lineup/Schedule:
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
3:30-3:45 p.m-Emcee Intro Remarks + National Anthem + Lift Every Voice
3:45-5:00 p.m. - Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Chess Records (WE WILL WATCH THIS BAND)
5:15-6:15 p.m. - C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band
6:30-7:30 p.m Lurrie Bell & Frank Catalano (WE WILL WATCH THIS BAND)
7:45-9:00 p.m. - Mavis Staples (WE WILL WATCH THIS BAND)Visit Mississippi Crossroads Stage (South Promenade)
12:00-1:15 p.m. - Stevie J and The Blues Eruption
1:30-2:45 p.m. - Nellie “Tiger” Travis
3:00-4:15 p.m. - Jonathan Ellison
4:30-5:45 p.m. - Ms. JodyRosa’s Lounge (North Promenade)
12:30-1:45 p.m. - Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport
2:00-3:15 p.m. - Jimmy Burns Band
3:30-4:45 p.m. - Nick Alexander Blues Band (WE WILL TRY TO CHECK OUT THIS BAND)
5:00-6:15 p.m. - Sonia Astacio
6:30-7:45 p.m. - 3 by 3 Crew: Freddie Dixon, John Watkins, Maurice Vaughn with Tim TaylorHarris Theater Rooftop Terrace - Next Generation of Blues
11:00-11:45 a.m. - Wiggleworms
12:00-12:45 p.m. - Fernando Jones Presents the Knott Us Band
1:00-1:45 p.m. - Kenwood Academy High School
2:00-2:45 p.m. - Nicholas Senn High School
3:00-4:00 p.m. - A Patch of BluesIf you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
**FIRST OUTDOOR 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.
Rhapsody in Blue
Featuring
Grant Park Orchestra
Conductor & Piano - Andrew LittonProgram
Gabriela Lena Frank – Three Latin American Dances
George Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Manuel de Falla – Suites from The Three-Cornered HatDESCRIPTION
OPENING NIGHT! The Festival’s 2025 season opens with George Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue, featuring renowned conductor and pianist Andrew Litton leading the Grant Park Orchestra. The program also features the vibrant Three Latin American Dances by Gabriela Lena Frank, and Manuel de Falla’s suite from the Three-Cornered Hat.Full Program details here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season/2025-rhapsody-in-blue
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!
- 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!
