When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Chicago Winery
Why Chicago Winery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chicago Winery, situated at 739 N. Clark St. in the vibrant River North neighborhood, offers a unique blend of a winery, restaurant, bar, tasting room, and private event space all under one expansive roof. Occupying a 24,000-square-foot venue, it is the largest of its kind operated by First Batch Hospitality, which also runs locations in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington D.C. This venue is distinguished by its modern yet warm atmosphere, featuring large windows that provide scenic views of both the cityscape and the wine fermentation area, where guests can witness the winemaking process firsthand. The on-site production includes crushing, fermenting, and bottling grapes sourced primarily from California and the Finger Lakes. The culinary experience is led by Executive Chef Andrew Graves, whose background with acclaimed restaurants such as Alinea, The Aviary, and Tribeca Grill enriches the "modern Chicago" inspired menu with seasonal shared plates ranging from vegetables to seafood and meats. Guests may dine indoors or enjoy the four-season patio, which enhances the lively, social setting. Chicago Winery is an ideal spot for meeting with friends due to its inviting ambiance, exceptional locally produced wines, chef-driven cuisine, and a variety of seating options, making it perfect for casual tastings or more formal gatherings.
Here's what people think of Chicago Winery
As of recent, Chicago Winery holds a 4.5-star rating based on 252 reviews.
Customer reviews of Chicago Winery generally reflect a highly positive experience, contributing to its solid 4.5-star rating across over 250 reviews. Many reviewers praise the quality and uniqueness of the wines produced on-site, appreciating the boutique approach to winemaking where science meets craft. The atmosphere is frequently noted as sophisticated yet welcoming, with guests admiring the spaciousness and modern design complemented by city views. Positive feedback especially highlights the attentive and knowledgeable staff, the diverse wine selection, and the delicious food offerings crafted by Executive Chef Andrew Graves. Reviewers also enjoy the range of experiences available, from casual tastings to private events, emphasizing the venue's versatility and charm. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as wait times during busy hours and limited operating days, as the tasting room is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. A few guests find the price point on the higher side when compared to other local options. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus regards Chicago Winery as an exceptional urban winery and event space. Its unique combination of handcrafted wines, refined cuisine, and an elegant yet relaxed environment make it a favored destination for both locals and visitors. The reviews collectively endorse it as a top choice for socializing, special occasions, or simply enjoying the craft of winemaking in downtown Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Justyna Serowik
I photographed a wedding at Chicago Winery and it was a stunning venue! The staff helped make the event flow seamlessly. The food was exceptional and all of the spaces including ceremony and cocktail hour area were stunning. The venue is located close to many popular photo spots, which makes it an ideal location to help save time going from one location to another on your wedding day. I would highly recommend this venue to anyone looking to get married in downtown Chicago.
Gretchen Guerrero (Gigi)
We toured this venue last, and the best was definitely saved for last! The venue is so, so beautiful, and all of our guests said the food is some of the best they’ve ever had at a wedding. Chicago Winery took such great care of us the day of! We were full, always had drinks in our hand, and created so many fun memories!
Clarissa Gradilla
From the moment we walked into Chicago Winery, we just knew it was the place where we wanted to get married. There's something so warm and inviting about the space, and Lindsey made us feel incredibly special from the very first meeting. She took the time to sit with us, explain what makes Chicago Winery unique, and truly made us feel like family. Lindsey is an amazing person who not only answered ALL of our questions, but she was always a friendly face who always stopped to say hi throughout our planning visits and tasting. She is an amazing person who genuinely was happy for us to get married and experience the beauty and elegance of Chicago Winery. Our event manager, Hulda, was nothing short of amazing. So accommodating to our requests, organized, and supportive throughout the entire process. Hulda's experience in the wedding industry and as an event manager was evident in every detail, and we felt so fortunate to have her by our side. Hulda took the time to get to know us as a couple which was even more special on our wedding day. It felt like having a close friend there, celebrating and sharing in our happiness. On the wedding day, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel celebrated and cared for. The food was absolutely incredible, and Hulda made sure my husband and I were able to try all of it, including our appetizers and dessert! The drinks were flowing all night and our signature cocktails were a huge hit with our guests. The fireplaces added such a cozy touch, making it the perfect setting for our winter wedding. We couldn't have asked for a better venue or a more wonderful team to bring our vision to life. If you're looking for a venue that combines elegance, warmth, delicious food and top-tier service, we highly recommend Chicago Winery! Chicago Winery will always be our special place. We're so grateful that we can come back for dinner and relive all the magic of our wedding day whenever we want!
Samantha Elliott
The most amazing wedding venue in Chicago! I can't say enough incredible things about Chicago Winery - from the ambiance, the staff, the inclusive packaging options, and the food/beverage - it is the perfect urban venue in the city. My husband and I knew the second we toured the space that we wanted to book ASAP and will forever be grateful that we did. Our event manager, Hulda, was STELLAR - so responsive and communicative, so friendly, and just all around a rockstar with logistics and planning. She made the experience seamless and we are so glad we got to work with her and her team. Our sales contact, Lindsay, was incredible as well and really helped to explain to us up front what our day could look like, how the packages work, and what would be feasible with our budget/guest count. If you're looking for an incredible experience all around for your wedding, definitely check out Chicago Winery!
Liz Shane
I went with my family for the prix fixe Mother’s Day brunch and it was perfect from start to finish! Amazing service, delicious food, and a great atmosphere. I think this will become an annual tradition.
How to reach Chicago Winery
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Why Chicago Winery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chicago Winery with your friends?
Gathering at Chicago Winery offers an exceptional experience that combines the charm of a boutique urban winery with an inviting atmosphere perfect for socializing. Located in the heart of Chicago’s lively River North neighborhood, Chicago Winery provides a unique setting where you and your friends can enjoy handcrafted, small-batch wines produced right on site. This makes it more than just a typical wine bar; it’s an immersive encounter with the whole winemaking process, right in the city. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind, the blend of high-quality artisanal wines, seasonal food offerings, and engaging experiences ensures memorable moments. The stylish tasting room and restaurant, LIVA, provide a welcoming environment where groups can relax, chat, and explore a diverse wine selection together. Plus, the winery’s balanced schedule—from casual tastings to lively happy hours—caters flexibly to different social moods and group sizes. Hosting your meetup here means indulging in a sensory experience that appeals to all your senses in a culturally vibrant setting, making Chicago Winery an ideal destination to rally friends and celebrate life’s pleasures.
What activities can you enjoy at Chicago Winery for a group meetup?
Chicago Winery offers a variety of activities designed to engage groups and deepen your appreciation for wine in a fun and educational context. First, their wine tours are a standout feature. Available from Friday through Sunday, these one-hour guided tours provide an insider look into the winemaking process, highlighting how Chicago Winery crafts its small-batch wines. The tour includes five tastings, allowing each participant to sample a range of wines and discover new favorites. This group activity is perfect for bonding, as everyone can share their impressions and learn together about the unique qualities of urban winemaking. Besides tours, the tasting room is open on weekends and several evenings during the week for wine tastings and flights. These tastings offer a more relaxed option for groups who want to explore different varietals at their own pace, accompanied by knowledgeable staff ready to recommend pairings and answer questions.
Why is Chicago Winery perfect for group gatherings?
Chicago Winery’s layout and services are thoughtfully designed to cater to groups, making it an ideal meeting spot for friends, family, or coworkers. The tasting room and restaurant LIVA provide ample seating with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection. The venue’s location near the River North and Gold Coast neighborhoods also makes it easily accessible for Chicagoans and visitors alike. Another major draw is the happy hour promotion available Wednesday through Friday, where guests enjoy $7 cocktails and $9 glasses of wine, accompanied by snacks ranging from $7 to $15. This offers an affordable yet classy way to start an evening with friends. For larger or more private events, Chicago Winery doubles as an event venue able to accommodate up to 400 standing guests or 215 seated banquet-style, complete with full-service catering featuring chef-inspired cuisine. Whether you want a low-key wine tasting or a lively celebration, the winery’s flexible offerings and attentive staff ensure your group has a personalized and enjoyable experience.
How does Chicago Winery combine tradition and innovation in its offerings?
Chicago Winery stands out because it merges the time-honored craft of winemaking with innovative techniques tailored to create premium wines right in the city. Unlike many traditional wineries found in rural regions, Chicago Winery maintains a boutique metropolitan approach, producing all wines in small batches that emphasize quality and unique flavor profiles. This balance is reflected not only in their wines but also in the culinary offerings at their restaurant LIVA. Seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes complement the wine selection, allowing the flavors of the food and wine to enhance each other elegantly. The winery’s willingness to innovate ensures that every visit offers something fresh and exciting, whether it’s a new wine release or a special tasting event. This dedication to both tradition and innovation creates an engaging backdrop for wine lovers and novices alike, who appreciate the craft and story behind every bottle poured.
What makes Chicago Winery’s location and atmosphere ideal for hosting special occasions?
Situated in Chicago’s dynamic Near North Side, Chicago Winery benefits from both a prime location and an inviting ambiance that make it a sought-after venue for celebrations. Its proximity to the River North and Gold Coast neighborhoods places it close to many hotels, public transport options, and other entertainment venues, making it convenient for guests traveling from various parts of the city. The winery’s interior combines rustic warmth with modern elegance, providing a stylish yet comfortable setting that suits everything from casual wine tastings to upscale private events like weddings or anniversaries. Chicago Winery offers full-service event planning, including curated menus and bespoke wine pairings crafted onsite, so every detail aligns with your celebration’s vision. The winery’s ability to host substantial guest lists while maintaining an intimate atmosphere adds flexibility for different group sizes and event types. This blend of accessibility, style, and professional service ensures that any special occasion held at Chicago Winery feels both personal and extraordinary.
How is the dining experience at Chicago Winery tailored to complement wine tastings and group events?
The dining experience at Chicago Winery is carefully crafted to harmonize with its wine offerings, ensuring guests enjoy a cohesive and elevated meal. Their restaurant, LIVA, serves seasonal and ingredient-focused cuisine that pairs beautifully with their artisanal wines, enhancing both the food and the drink. For groups, this means ample options that cater to various tastes and preferences, from light bites suitable for shared plates during happy hour to more substantial dishes for dinner. The emphasis on freshness and quality ingredients mirrors the winery’s commitment to excellence in winemaking. Moreover, the menu’s flexibility allows groups to customize their dining experience, whether ordering à la carte or arranging special group menus for events. This thoughtful culinary approach transforms wine tastings into complete sensory journeys, making the experience richer and more memorable for everyone involved.
What are the key reasons Chicago Winery is highly rated and popular for meetups?
Chicago Winery’s impressive 4.5-star rating across over 250 reviews reflects widespread satisfaction with its atmosphere, service, and offerings. Reviewers often highlight the quality and uniqueness of the wines, noting the distinctiveness of locally crafted urban vintages that you can’t find elsewhere. The knowledgeable and friendly staff receive praise for enhancing tastings with insightful guidance and personalized recommendations. Many guests appreciate the winery’s vibe, describing it as both lively and intimate—a rare combination that suits various occasions from casual social gatherings to special celebrations. Customers also emphasize the convenience of the location and the appealing food and happy hour deals, making it a repeat destination for groups wanting a consistently enjoyable experience. This blend of positive elements contributes to Chicago Winery’s status as a premier venue for meetups in Chicago, where friends and family can celebrate, relax, and savor great wine together.
How can visitors plan the perfect group outing to Chicago Winery?
Planning a group visit to Chicago Winery is straightforward due to their accommodating schedule and reservation options. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday, with peak hours in the evening and weekend afternoons, ideal times for group gatherings. Depending on your preference, you can book a guided wine tour for an interactive educational experience or opt for a casual wine flight or glass service at the bar or restaurant. Reserving ahead is recommended for larger parties or for those looking to enjoy the full dining service at LIVA. Groups can also time their visit to coincide with the popular happy hour from Wednesday to Friday, which offers attractive pricing on drinks and snacks, creating a festive yet affordable atmosphere. For special occasions, contacting the winery’s events team for private bookings ensures personalized service and use of their dedicated event spaces. By tailoring the visit to your group’s interests—whether it’s tasting, dining, or celebrating—Chicago Winery ensures every meetup feels thoughtful and well-executed.