Top 22 Wine Stores In Chicago

2 min read 22-12-2024

Chicago, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, naturally boasts an impressive selection of wine stores catering to every palate and budget. From intimate boutiques offering rare vintages to expansive supermarkets with extensive selections, finding the perfect bottle in the Windy City is a delightful experience. This guide highlights 22 of the best wine stores Chicago has to offer, categorized for easier navigation.

High-End & Specialty Wine Stores:

These establishments curate exceptional collections, often featuring hard-to-find wines and personalized service.

Binny's Beverage Depot: A Chicago institution, Binny's offers an unparalleled selection across price points, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist.
Southport Wines & Spirits: Known for its curated selection of both domestic and international wines, Southport Wines provides a refined shopping experience.
The Wine House: This Lincoln Park gem focuses on smaller, artisan producers, offering a unique and diverse range of wines.
Pomp & Circumstance: A sophisticated shop with a strong emphasis on natural and biodynamic wines.
Cork & Kerry: Specializing in hard-to-find and allocated wines, Cork & Kerry caters to the serious collector.

Mid-Range Wine Stores: A Balanced Approach

These stores strike a balance between selection and price, providing a wide range of options for everyday drinking and special occasions.

Wine & Sprits Company: With multiple locations, this reliable chain offers a solid selection and competitive pricing.
Fox & Obel: This upscale market features a well-curated wine section with a focus on quality.
Whole Foods Market (Various Locations): While a supermarket, many Whole Foods locations in Chicago have surprisingly robust wine sections with knowledgeable staff.
Treasure Island (Various Locations): Another supermarket chain with a respectable wine selection and competitive prices.
Specs Wines, Spirits & Gourmet: A reliable option with a good balance of selection and value.

Neighborhood Gems: Local Favorites

These smaller stores often feature personalized service and a focus on local or regionally-produced wines.

Liquor Stop: A neighborhood staple with a surprisingly good wine selection.
West Loop Wine: Caters to the West Loop neighborhood, offering a convenient and well-chosen selection.
Lincoln Park Bottle Shop: A popular choice in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Lakeview Wine & Spirits: Serves the Lakeview community with a range of options.
Andersonville Wine Shop: Located in the Andersonville neighborhood, this shop specializes in smaller producers.

Large Format Retailers: Wide Selection, Competitive Prices

These stores provide a vast array of wines, often at competitive prices.

Costco (Various Locations): While known for bulk purchases, Costco often offers excellent deals on high-quality wines.
Sam's Club (Various Locations): Similar to Costco, Sam's Club is a good option for finding value wines in larger quantities.
Total Wine & More (Various Locations): A national chain with a massive selection, offering a wide range of wines from around the world.

Specialty Niches: Unique Offerings

These stores cater to specific tastes and preferences.

Chicago Wine School: Offers classes and tastings alongside a curated selection of wines.
Bottle & Bottega: A wine bar and shop combined, this location offers a unique shopping experience.

Online Options: Convenient and Diverse

For those who prefer the convenience of online ordering, consider these:

Online wine retailers: Several reputable online retailers offer delivery or local pick-up in the Chicago area.
Local wine store websites: Many of the stores listed above also offer online ordering options.

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and many other excellent wine stores exist throughout Chicago. Remember to check store hours and availability before visiting. Enjoy your wine explorations in the Windy City!