1. Open in West Town since July, Noble Grape is a 9,000-square-foot wine shop with a green design that incorporates eco-friendly paints and sustainable cork floors. Selling international wines, beers, and spirits, the West Town space can host receptions or wine tastings for 40. The owners, all restaurant-industry veterans, can provide cheese plates or contemporary American fare to accompany the wine.
2. Salute Wine Bar popped up in the Gold Coast in May. With a wine list that represents each of Italy’s 20 regions, the venue can host 60 for cocktails or 45 for seated dinners. At the back of the space, a curtained-off alcove seats 10, and a patio can host dinners for 20. The menu of Italian classics includes panini and homemade tiramisu.
3. Open since April, Lincoln Park wine shop Poison Cup can host receptions or wine tastings for 50. Catering can come from the shop’s restaurant partners, fondue spot Geja’s and Dee’s Asian restaurant; the venue also works with a list of personal chefs. Co-owner John Witte, a professional photographer, can shoot events for no additional cost.
