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.
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)
Do you love parodies? Do you love men in drag? Do you love old school musicals? Do you love Orphan Annie and/or Oliver Twist? Then you will absolutely love this latest play put on by Hell in Handbag Productions! They really know how to do parodies, especially classic musicals, movies & TV shows. You will not be disappointed! We have seen several of their productions and it is always a laugh riot!
TICKETS REQUIRED: $25 + fees - click link below to purchase. Pick Sunday 5/5/24 4pm PREVIEW show Buy here : https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hellinahandbagproductions/1116848OR HERE https://www.handbagproductions.org/now-playing.html
DON"T WAIT TO BUY TIX AS THEY OFTEN SELL OUT!!!!
I am scheduling the LUNCH at Tortello's BEFORE as a separate event from the play to make it easier for all & since numbers are limited. If you want to join for the brunch portion as well, please sign up for that separately at: https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wineaux/events/300163075/
Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to return to the stage with new and familiar works that celebrate the Handbag mission statement of the preservation and celebration of camp and parody
It’s 1979 in dangerous, smoky, glorious New York City. Our story’s red-headed protagonist Li’l Orphan Arnie (Dakota Hughes) is fleeing from the guardianship of a sex-starved, meth-cooking madwoman (Sydney Genco*). Out on the streets, they befriend a slinky dancing cat (Matty Bettencourt), who leads them to a magical manhole, transporting them back in time to Paris, France in 1815. Trading in one poverty-plagued lifestyle for another, Arnie gives up the desire to find their parents and joins forces with a gang of pick-pocketing prostitutes, led by the mysterious Fagin (David Cerda*).
Life becomes even more dire when Mama Moneybags (Brittney Brown), a corrupt Republican from the future, takes it upon herself to put Fagin’s troupe out of work. Thankfully, there’s a bounty of colorful, destitute characters to help save the day, such as the tuberculosis-ridden Pantene (Caitlin Jackson*), a feral Beggar Woman (Elizabeth Lesinski*) and Nance, the classic hooker with a heart of gold (Tyler Anthony Smith*). Will the sun come out tomorrow? Do you hear the people sing? Will we be changing all of the lyrics to avoid being sued? YES!
Hell in Handbag Productions is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage. To find out more and all their upcoming productions, click here:
http://www.handbagproductions.org
https://www.facebook.com/HandbagChicago/
According to the Theater Historical Society of America, the Chopin Theatre building opened March 1918 and was designed by architects Worthmann & Steinbach. Originally built as a nickelodeon with 546 seats it was operated by Victor Bardonski. In 1923 it was renamed the Harding and seating was expanded to 987. By 1931 it was again called Chopin Theatre but underwent another name change to Pix Theater. The building is located across the Polish Triangle in the area once named Polish Downtown.
In 1955 the building's named changed to Security Federal Savings & Loan but the bank later relocated across the street. When the Dyrkacz Family purchased the building in 1990, it was vacant except for the small 200 sf Eddie's Bistro. After operating briefly as At the Gallery Theater, it once again became Chopin Theatre. The Dyrkacz's have gradually restored the building to its present charm and today it houses the Main Stage (200), Cabaret Studio with Pregnant Buffalo Lounge (50-150), a cafe and art gallery.
Chopin has presented over 120 of its own productions, mostly Eastern and Central European. It has hosted performers from each American state and from over 40 countries. It produced I-Fest, an international festival of solo performances bringing 17 international artists from Austria, England, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Ukraine to Chicago.
https://www.chopintheatre.com/
If you are taking public transportation please check Google Maps for directions or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there street parking nearby on Milwaukee, Division and free side streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Parking can be tricky here so might want to use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for the best option
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Godfrey Wine Fest - Wine Tasting at I/O Godfrey Rooftop (SOLD OUT)IO Godfrey Rooftop Lounge, Chicago, IL
Let's get together at Chicago's year-round rooftop for a wine festival featuring the most delicious wines. With so many options to try, you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. I|O Godfrey is the epicenter of the River North neighborhood with panoramic skyline views, fire pits and shimmering water elements, making it the perfect location to sip on wines with your closest friends. Great views & 4 hours of wine tasting, what more can you ask for?
Tix include 4 hours of wine tastings, giveaways & more! There will be over a dozen different varieties to try at this one of a kind venue! We did this in January 2023 and had a blast. They moved the fest now to April.
You must buy tickets to enter. Tickets are $35 fees as of 1/23/24 but prices will go up so BUY NOW! These tend to sell out too! Last year we paid $40 so get tix early for some savings! Click here to purchase:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/godfrey-wine-fest-wine-tasting-at-io-godfrey-rooftop-tickets-779630414557The wine fest tickets do not include food but the I/O Godfrey is a restaurant so all are welcome to order food off their menu for additional costs. They have delicious selection of treats, snacks & meals!
BRUNCH MENU: https://iogodfrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IO-Menu-11.30.22-Brunch.pdf
DINNER MENU: https://iogodfrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IO-Menu-11.30.22-Food.pdf
COCKTAIL MENU: https://iogodfrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IO-Menu-11.30.22-Cocktails.pdfEnjoy chef crafted cocktails with friends in communal booths under the retractable roof or warm up in winter months with I|O’s signature winter wonderland igloos. I|O Godfrey, Chicago’s largest and only year-round rooftop lounge offers a state-of-the-art retractable roof allowing the outdoor space to evoke a unique in-is-out and out-is-in vibe. Enjoy the day, revel in the night, and discover your element in the rooftop bar at I|O Godfrey.
They also have the Winter wonderland at I/O Godfrey The Godfrey invites guests to enjoy its annual winter wonderland, offering the chance to embrace rooftop season year-round, even in Chicago. I/O Godfrey, the hotel’s rooftop lounge and restaurant, is transformed into a winter wonderland escape, fit for the season, no matter how chilly it gets in the windy city. This is thanks to the heated, clear-domed igloos on the rooftop’s outdoor portico, which are available to rent with a purchase from the celebrate menu
From the 4th floor at the epicenter of River North you find I|O Godfrey, a roofscape. Basking in the sunlight throughout the day and as late afternoon yields to evening, uninterrupted views of the southern Chicago skyline radiate to life setting a brilliant backdrop.
https://iogodfrey.com/events/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, there is metered street parking on the main streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Best to use SpotHero & ParkWhiz in the area for cheapeast & safest options
- Lincoln Square Spring Wine Stroll 2024 - ROUTE A (ALL ROUTES SOLD OUT!)Davis Theater, Chicago, Chicago, IL
***ALL ROUTES HAVE SOLD OUT BUT LEAVE COMMENT IF YOU NEED TICKETS AS SOME MIGHT CANCEL & SELL THEIRS***
**BUY TIX NOW EVEN IF NOT YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE THAT YOU CAN ATTEND AS THESE WILL SELL OUT IN A FEW DAYS! YOU CAN ALWAYS SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A POPULAR WINE EVENT AND TIX GO FAST!!**
Wine Stroll is the Lincoln Square's most popular bi-annual event, and a great way to support the neighborhood while tasting and discovering new wine regions and varietals. Taste through a carefully curated variety of wines, along with a light assortment delicious hors d'oeuvres from area restaurants. Wine Stroll is the perfect way to explore new businesses and see just what makes this community so special!
MUST HAVE TICKET TO ATTEND AND PICK FROM 1 OF THE 3 DIFFERENT ROUTES! TICKETS ARE $60 + FEES & COVER 12 BUSINESSES TO VISIT AND 36 DIFFERENT WINES TO TASTE!! PICK ROUTE A THAT MEETS AT THE DAVIS THEATER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-stroll-2024-tickets-872140324187
Let's do spring right! Sip and stroll your way through your favorite shops and restaurants along Lincoln, Lawrence and Damen!
Each Spring, the LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations. Over 35 businesses participate, pairing red, white, rose, and sparkling wine samples with light bites of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. This event is a great way to tour new businesses, and see just what makes our commercial community so special.
https://www.lincolnsquare.org/spring-wine-stroll
*This is a rain or shine event. All ticket-holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs will be checked at check-in, so each ticketholder must be present in person to check-in.
**All tastings take place within the businesses listed on each ticketed route below. Wine pours are offered in 2 ounce tasting portions at each business. Up to 36 different wines will be available to taste along each route. Businesses listed on each route are subject to change.
New this year, The Lincoln Square routes get a refresh with an air of mystery. Purchase tickets for route A, B, or C and find out which businesses are on your route the night of the event at your designated check-in location. WE WILL NOT KNOW THE ROUTES?EXACT BUISNESSES WE WILL HIT UNTIL THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT!
We check-in first to receive our wine glass and tasting guide, which will serve as our ticket to the event. We then go from business to business to taste wine and sample food bites as many offer treats! ROUTE A - MEET AT DAVIS THEATER!
These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus weather should be lovely for a late spring evening stroll!
Dress for walking in and out of stores, but wear comfortable shoes as will be walking around. Walk does not end where we start so will have to walk back to your car if you drive but should be a short walk!
#### PICK ROUTE LETTER A FOR OUR WALK!
We will not know exactly which businesses we will visit but here is a list of ALL the businesses that will participate in the wine stroll event! We will get to go to 12 of these locations and taste up to 36 glasses of wine!
A Pretty Flower
Augusta Food and Wine
B. Wise Rehabilitation
Big City Optical
The Chopping Block
Dimo's Cafe
ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE
Fleet Feet Chicago
Gearhead Outfitters
Genevieve
InPowered Yoga
Jerry's Sandwiches
L&M Fine Foods
Lincoln Square Dental Spa
Luella's Southern Kitchen
Lyons Family Eye Care
Merz Apothecary
Midwest Nice
My Corner Office
Neighborly
The NOW Massage
Planet Access
Raw Edge - Modern Artisan Boutique
Savory Spice
Sojourn Restaurant
Stanley Brown Jewelist
StretchLab Lincoln Square
Timeless ToysIf 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, there is limited parking since in Lincoln Square. Some metered parking & nearby lots. Best to use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for you safest bet and cheapest option if unsure!
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Spring Walk of Logan Square's Historic Blvd. DistrictSt John Berchmans Catholic Church (Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish), Chicago, IL
Warm weather is here & the walking tour season as begun! It is the first walking tour of the season! Join us for a delightful stroll thru Logan Square's Historic Blvd. District with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the area's hidden gems and fascinating architecture. It will be a great walk on a lovely spring afternoon to view all the gorgeous homes, schools, businesses & churches along the boulevard! This is a multi-meetup group event!
THIS A PAID PRIVATE NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR OF THE BEAUTIFUL & HISTORIC LOGAN SQUARE BLVD. DISTRICT WITH AN EXPERT CHICAGO GUIDE. $20 per person paid at the start of the walk. As you might know, I am a official tour guide! Please come check out another walking tour that I have developed for the Logan Square area.
Beginning on the famous Logan Blvd. we will walk throughout the historic northwest section of the Logan Square Town neighborhood.The tour will take you through the rich history of the area, the old business district, beautiful boulevards, turn of the century architecture, and churches
The tour is approx. 2.1 miles of walking outside so wear good walking shoes and proper outdoor clothing for the Chicago spring weather.
Please keep in mind that the tour Ends about 3/4 mile from where we start so park accordingly if you drive. We start at St John Berchmans Catholic Church 2519 W Logan Blvd, Chicago and end at Aloft Circus Arts, 3324 W Wrightwood Ave so it is a little bit of walk back your car depending on where you park. I suggest parking somewhere in the middle so less of a walk back.
BRING WATER, hand sanitizer and good walking shoes. I cannot guarantee how many washroom facilities will be available so please plan accordingly.
EVERYONE PAYS $20 UPFRONT AT THE START OF THE TOUR. CASH, VENMO, PAYPAL AND ZELLE ARE ALL ACCEPTED!
After the walk, some of us may grab a bite at The Harding Tavern, 2732 N Milwaukee Ave All are welcome to join!
https://thehardingtavern.com/
BRUNCH MENU: https://thehardingtavern.com/brunch/Logan Square is named for General John A. Logan, an American soldier and political leader. One of the most striking intersections in the city, the square itself is a large public green space (designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney, landscape architect Jens Jensen and others) formed as the grand northwest terminus of the Chicago Boulevard System and the junction of Kedzie and Logan Boulevards and Milwaukee Avenue. At the center of the square is the Illinois Centennial Monument, built in 1918 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Illinois' statehood
Originally developed by early settlers like Martin Kimbell (of Kimball Avenue fame) in the 1830s, forming around the towns of "Jefferson," "Maplewood," and "Avondale', the vicinity was annexed into the city of Chicago in 1889 and renamed Logan Square. Many of its early residents were English or Scandinavian origin, mostly Norwegians and Danes, along with both a significant Polish and Jewish population that followed. Milwaukee Avenue, which spans the community, is one of the oldest roads in the area and remains both a cultural and commercial artery.
A few places we will stop are:
- 2519 W Logan Blvd - St John Berchmans Catholic Church
- 2500 N Talman Ave, -St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church,
- 2703 W Logan Blvd, - John Rath House
- 2735 W Logan Blvd, - Ryan House
- 2940 W Logan Blvd, - Uber House or Uber Flats
- 2954 W. Logan Blvd. – The S. Finchell House
- 3024 W Logan Blvd, - Rustman Ice House
- 3040 W Logan Blvd, The T. Steinbach House
- 3061 W Logan Blvd, Former Logan Square Trust & Savings Ban bldg
- 3110 W Logan Blvd, - Lost The Cigrand Mansion
- 2646 N Milwaukee Ave, The Logan Theatre
- 2579 N Milwaukee Ave, Comfort Station
- 2539 N Kedzie Blvd, Logan Square Auditorium,
- 2614 N Kedzie Ave -The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church
- 3150 W Logan Blvd - Illinois Centennial Monument
- 3325 W Wrightwood Ave, Grace United Methodist Church
- 3324 W Wrightwood Ave. Aloft Circus Arts
- 2636 N Kimball Ave, Unity Park
If you are taking public transportation please check their website for directions or use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you are driving there is street parking along Milwaukee, Logan Blvd, Kedzie & 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!
- Lunch @Tortello's Before Poor People Play at Chopin Theater (Part 1 of 2)Tortello, Chicago, IL
Part 1 of 2 LUNCH only 4 - 6 people per table. No reservations so we will have to gran what is available. We may not be able to sit near each other.
PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF YOU ARE 95% SURE TO ATTEND! I HAVE TO KEEP DINING EVENTS SMALL AS SEATING IS VERY LIMITED!If you are joining us for lunch before the play, then PLEASE BRING CASH AS THEY CANNOT DO SEPARATE CHECKS FOR GROUPS. I kindly ask that everyone take what you ordered (the total dollar amount) & add 32% to that amount, which includes 12% for Chicago taxes and 20% for tip. CASH works easier & quicker for big groups!
I am scheduling the Poor People Play as a separate event from lunch, to make it easier for all & since numbers are limited. If you want to join for the play portion as well, please sign up for that here: https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wineaux/events/300163060/
Fresh pasta handmade with the best ingredients like Nonna makes in Italy. Tortello has a menu of specialty dishes that they make for you to dine with them, including their signature handmade tortelli di burrata. They also have a variety of fresh pastas and sauces to take with you to cook at home, as well as a small, curated retail area of imported Italian products!
BORN AND RAISED IN ITALY, Dario Monni has been steeped in the rich Italian food culture from an early age. In his hometown of Venice, Monni learned the art of preparing handmade pasta from his ”nonna“ while listening to stories of his grandfather‘s specialty food store. His summers were spent with relatives on his father‘s side in rural Sardinia, where his family worked as shepherds, cheesemongers and butchers, imparting onto him the deep-rooted value of the region‘s rituals, honest ingredients and dedication to an authentic craft.
These early experiences fueled Monni‘s passion for Italy‘s revered cuisine and the culture of family-focused hospitality, inspiring him to pursue a career in the food and beverage industry. After obtaining a degree from Instituto Alberghiero Giuseppe Maffiolo, one of Italy‘s most respected culinary institutions, Monni left Venice for London at age 18 where he further pursued work within the city‘s world-class mixology scene. With a keen eye for detail, he excelled behind the bar and held positions at some of the world‘s most famed establishments such as Harry‘s Bar, Gritti Palace, Cipriani and Soho‘s LAB.
In 2009, Monni departed London and spent the next nine years traveling the globe, helming the beverage programs of top luxury restaurants and nightclubs in Dubai, Montreal and more. In 2012, Monni returned to London and landed at acclaimed Italian restaurant L‘Anima where he worked alongside celebrity chef Francesco Mazzei, initially leading the bar program of the award-winning concept and quickly advancing to oversee front of house operations.During this time, Monni met his future wife, Jill Gray, a native Chicagoan, and the two spentseveral years together in London. Named one of Business Insider‘s ”Top 30 Women in Advertising“ in 2015, Gray has gathered extensive experience in marketing and tech, working across the globe at Leo Burnett, Publicis, Facebook/Meta and AI creative data startup VidMob.
A desire to be closer to family led Monni and Gray to relocate to her Midwestern hometown in 2016, where the couple set about starting their own family and bringing his lifelong vision to fruition. With the 2019 opening of Tortello, a charming neighborhood pasta shop & chef-driven restaurant, the husband and wife team is transporting Italy‘s emphasis on simplicity through culinary and cultural traditions to Chicago. As the restaurant‘s co-owners, Monni and Gray are committed to continuing his family‘s legacy of the simplest and very best ingredients, artisanal hand craftsmanship, and Italian hospitality & ritual.https://www.tortellopasta.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tortellopasta
MENU: https://order.toasttab.com/online/tortello-1746-west-divisionIf you are taking public transportation please check Google Maps for directions or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there street parking nearby on Division, Milwaukee & Augusta and free side streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for the best option. However parking is usually not too difficult here.
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
