By Amy Bizzarri
From the region’s top blind-tasting tournament to tastings from one of the largest caches of fine wine—over 3,000 bottles—ever uncovered in the Midwest, here are the Chicago industry events and openings you need to know about this fall.
WineRival, also known as “The Superbowl of Wine,” returns to Venue West (221 North Paulina Street) on October 15. Sixty-four sommeliers will go head-to-head in hopes of advancing to the championship round for a chance at the $25,000 cash prize. (The runner-up will receive $3,000, and the other two final-four contestants will each earn $1,000.) This year’s theme is tailgating, and guests will enjoy football game–worthy bites by chef Fabio Viviani while sampling wines in a walk-around setting. A portion of proceeds will benefit The Balance Project, a local nonprofit helping families and individuals access emotional wellness support. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.
Modern Italian steakhouse Torali opened in late summer 2023 on the 12th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Chicago to serve local, seasonal fare prepared by executive chef Guenther Moreno. Menu highlights include hand-rolled pasta as well as prime and dry-aged meats paired with Old World–inspired cocktails. Torali kicks off its “Crafted Conversation” series on Tuesday, September 19, with a special four-course Chateâuneuf-du-Pape dinner hosted by Jean-Louis Smyl, export manager for Famille Quiot Wines. Tickets are available now on Tock.
Millennium Hall’s Double Clutch Beer Garden is hosting its 2nd Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 30. Double Clutch’s “blacksmith of beer,” Scott Frank, has crafted select German lagers especially for the event.
Lincoln Park Uncorked: A Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll returns on Thursday, September 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Discover some of the season’s best wines while exploring more than 15 local businesses on Lincoln Avenue, from Diversey Parkway to Webster Avenue. Tickets, available online, include wine tastings paired with small bites at each of the participating businesses.
Brass Tack, the American brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, recently revamped its happy hour menu, served weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m. with a wine list curated by sommelier Taylor England. Executive chef Nicholas Marino is highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farmers and purveyors for $10 per appetizer, designed to be paired with wine by the glass for $8.
Women Wine & Wardrobe, a fashion-show fundraiser for Dress for Success, returns on Thursday, October 12. Sip wine and cocktails with James Beard Award–winning sommelier and host Belinda Chang at Baker McKenzie overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
In 1986, the Chicago Tribune published an article about a local real estate developer who discovered one of the largest caches of fine wine—over 3,000 bottles—ever found in the Midwest. The miraculous discovery was made in the underground vault of a West DePaul building that Bud Moon was planning on turning into six condominiums. Fast-forward more than three decades later: Moon’s son, Keegan, is now sharing the family’s wealth with Chicago’s wine lovers. Keegan, a former operating partner of Chicago’s Dine|Amic Hospitality, recently opened No Vacancy, described on its website as an “elevated dive bar.” Every Wednesday, Keegan is uncorking a rare bottle from his father’s collection and and inviting wine enthusiasts to join in a tasting of high-priced, rare, and, in some cases, extremely old bottles. Follow the bar on Instagram or call ahead to find out what he’ll be pouring each week.
The Dawson has ushered in a new wine program focusing solely on wines from the American continent, from Napa to Nicaragua and Mexicali to Michigan. Beverage director/sommelier Torrence O’Haire aims to highlight the best from small farms and independent winemakers.
Estefania Bermudez, beverage director at Mi Tocaya Antojeria, doesn’t look far when it comes to pairing wines with James Beard Award–nominated chef Diana Davilla’s Mexican cuisine. “Michigan is my favorite; it’s transformative and meaningful that I can travel a couple of hours away from my home in Chicago and taste wine from a brand-new generation of young winemakers,” she says. The state’s fruit-forward wines pair well with the spicy flavors of Mexico, in her view: “Mi Tocaya represents the celebration of vegetables and earth,” says Bermudez. “Being able to pair wine from Michigan makes so much sense with the food and flavors that we have to offer—we’re truly utilizing all of the gifts that the Midwest soil and terroir bring us.”
Named after executive chef Stephen Sandoval’s hometown of San Diego, where his love for street food was born, Baja, Mexico–inspired bar and restaurant Diego opened in late summer 2023. The beer and cocktail program, curated by Danielle Lewis, highlights vibrant tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails, refreshing frozen drinks, and various Mexican beers.
UMMO opened in late summer 2023 in an artful, elegant space designed by Karen Herold of Studio K Creative. Chef/partner José Sosa’s contemporary Italian menu focuses on regional specialties, while the boutique wine program highlights producers from not only Italy but also France, Spain, and the U.S. The cocktail list, created by beverage director James Van Der Bosch (most recently a mixology lead at The Alinea Group), features inventive takes on classic cocktails like the Ummo Old Fashioned, featuring grappa, amaro, and bourbon.
Kohler Food & Wine, the Midwest’s premier epicurean event, kicks off on Thursday, October 19, at the Destination Kohler resort in Kohler, Wisconsin (about 2.5 hours from Chicago). This year’s headliners include Martha Stewart, Gavin Kaysen, Daniela Soto-Innes, Eddie Jackson, Eric Haugen, Fabio Viviani, Roger Mooking, and Derrell Smith. The foodie fun begins with the philanthropic Chef’s Challenge and extends throughout the weekend with immersive culinary experiences, chef-led master classes, wine tastings, live music, and more. “Kohler Food & Wine is a beloved celebration, and our desire to exceed guest expectations pairs well with our passion for partnering with acclaimed talent. The result is an inspiring event with a loose vibe, intimate feel, and stunning aesthetic,” says Sanjiv Hulugalle, group president, hospitality and real estate at Kohler. “We treasure every opportunity to provide guests with the highest level of gracious living through our service excellence, bespoke luxury hospitality, and selection of gastronomic delights—perhaps the most sharable form of art.” Tickets are available at KohlerFoodandWine.com.
