Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/78288
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM BRINSON; VINIUM SAUVIGNON BLANC WINEGLASSES ($455, SET OF TWO) AND VINUM XL CABERNET SAUVIGNON WINEGLASS ($70, SET OF TWO), RIEDEL. BLOOMINGDALES.COM; VINTAGE TOLEDO BARSTOOL IN DISTRESSED BLACK, RESTORATION HARDWARE ($315). RESTORATIONHARDWARE.COM BAR EXAM return of the wine bar V oltaire proclaimed, "Wine is the divine juice of September," and the opening of three local new oenocentric spots proves he was right. Mixology lounges and craft brew- eries may be plentiful in Chicago, but the classic wine bar is staging a serious comeback. Ranging from a music-focused venue to an intimate tast- ing room to a restaurant with a pedigreed wine list, this trio of newcomers promises to tempt pal- ates across the city. At City Winery, tasting is only part of the pro- cess. In the sprawling West Loop space, guests can actually interact with the grapes and produce their own private label, as well as order up to 20 by-the-glass wines created on-site. Beyond the opportunity for urban winemaking, the 35,000-square-foot facility fea- tures a 175-person restaurant and wine bar, along with a music venue for 300 guests. "What makes us so different is At City Winery, guests can interact with the grapes and produce their own private label. the deep connection between music and wine," says City Winery founder Michael Dorf. "Assembling music is very similar to creating a wine. There are so many variations on a theme, just like in winemaking." est Family-owned House of Glunz, Chicago's old- establishment for wine and spirits, is resurrecting a part of its heritage that dates back to the 1800s. Shuttered during Prohibition, the adjacent Tavern room is reopening as a contem- porary bar and restaurant that honors its historical roots. Patrons can sip wine flights, craft beers, and spirits, which are complemented by the refined European-style cuisine from consulting chef Allen Sternweiler of Butcher & the Burger. Owner Barbara Glunz believes The Glunz Tavern is well suited to Chicagoan's style of drinking. "The wine-by-the-glass program comes to the fore with people wanting to drink less but drink better," Glunz explains. "Guests would rather have one superb glass of wine than split a bottle of something less impressive. They welcome a special glass or an interesting flight that pairs continued on page 86 84 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM Pull up a stool at one of these wine bars. THE GLASS IS DEFINITELY HALF FULL FOR OENOPHILES THIS FALL WITH THE OPENING OF THREE NEW WINDY CITY WINERIES. BY RACHEL GILLMAN