What we’re about
The Windy City Wine+ Meetup is a group of friends who enjoy wine, food, spirits and social activities throughout Chicagoland. We're primarily based in the city but will take excursions from time to time in search of new venues & events. However, we are more than just wine tastings & festivals with lots of varied events!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions. As of 9/10/23, I have taken over this group from Tom Besore as he moved out of state. I will continue with the weekly wine meetups in the summer at Millenium Park as we all love those gatherings. I will add a lot of year-round events like dinners with wine pairings, wine classes, wine tastings, wine festivals and maybe an out-of-town trip to nearby vineyards in Michigan.
I run another meetup group called, 1001 Things to See In Chicago Before You Die since 2018 so I am an experienced organizer. We will do a lot of events together with our above sister group so please consider joining that in addition to the wine group. That group is extremely active with 4-5 events a week with all kinds of different events like walking tours, historical sites, museums, live music, festivals and unique experiences! Click here to join: https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via meetup.
Giovina Romandine (organizer for Windy City Wine+)
🍷 Swirl, Sip, Repeat: $10 Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Buzzed by ZEA 🍷
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM (we will meet at 5:30 pm but can come earlier)
📍 Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar – 3707 N Halsted St, Chicago
💰 Only $10
Unwind midweek with a relaxed and fun wine tasting experience hosted by the always engaging Michael Roberts, expert sommelier and chocolatier! For just $10, you’ll enjoy generous pours of up to 6 wines from around the globe—plus the chance to purchase your favorites (most bottles under $25). 🍷🍫
✨ Highlights:
- Casual, walk-around format—perfect for after work
- No food pairings, but chocolates are for sale 🍫
- Several lite bites/charcuteries available for purchase 🍴
- All wines 🛍️ are available for purchase at discounted prices
- Great way to sample new wines and discover hidden gems
- Ideal for both newbies and wine nerds alike—Michael keeps it fun and informative!
- 🥂 Stay afterward if you’d like to grab a bite nearby—there are plenty of great options
🍽️ Buzzed by ZEA doesn’t serve food, but we’ll grab dinner nearby afterward for anyone interested.
💬 If you love Michael’s Wine Classes but can’t always make the big month-end sessions, this is your chance to experience his magic in a more casual, weekly Wednesday night setting—still fun, still informative, but more low-key. No food pairings, just great wine and great company!
🚫 No wine snobs here! Michael keeps things educational, approachable, and super enjoyable for all levels
***
📍 Venue Vibe:
Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar is a stylish neighborhood spot—a hybrid hair salon + craft cocktail bar where you can sip, socialize, and savor. During the day, it’s a salon; by night, the music goes up and the vibe turns lounge-y! Chic, cozy, and lively, it’s the perfect midweek escape.
More info:
🔗 Buzzed by ZEA Website
🔗 Facebook Page
🔗 Michael’s Chocolate & Wine Classes – Divine Dales
***
🚗 Getting There:
🚇 Easy by CTA: Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps
🚘 Driving? Metered parking on Halsted + limited free parking on side streets. Check signs carefully!
🅿️ For best parking: use SpotHero or ParkWhiz
***
⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy:
🚫 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze
⏰ Cut-off to update RSVP = event start time
📲 Missed check-in? Message the host directly
❌ Repeated no-shows = removal from the group
***
🍷 Come solo or bring a friend—Michael always makes it a great night. Whether you’re wine curious or wine obsessed, this is the perfect way to ease into summer Wednesdays!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Weekly Wednesday Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wanderers & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- 🍽️ BYOB Dinner at Bina’s Place with Yumi (Balkan Food) 🌿Bina's Place, CHICAGO, IL
🍽️ BYOB Dinner at Bina’s Place with Yumi 🌿
Balkan Food📅 Friday, July 18, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM (please be prompt—they close at 8 PM!)
📍 Bina's Place – 2210 W Touhy Ave, Chicago
Host for this Meetup: Yumi
Multi-Meetup group event!
🌐 Yelp | 🌐 Website***
🌳 Dining outdoors (weather permitting)
🌧️ If it rains, we'll move indoors***
⚠️ Pre-Order Request
Bina's asked us to share orders in advance since:
✅ We’re a big group
✅ It’s summer and they may have limited menu items
🗓️ Please comment or message me your order by Wednesday 7/16/25 – Thank you!***
🍷 BYOB
✅ Bring wine or beer to share
✅ Don’t forget a corkscrew just in case!***
💵 CASH ONLY for Group Checks
✅ No separate checks
✅ Please bring cash
✅ Add 32% to your total (12% tax + 20% tip)
❌ Credit cards are too complicated for large groups—help us keep it easy!***
🚇 GETTING THERE
🚌 Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps for transit
🚗 Driving? Try SpotHero or ParkWhiz for parking deals. Metered street parking is also available nearby.***
🚫 NO-SHOW POLICY
• RSVP or update by event start time
• 3 no-shows = 3-month RSVP restriction
• Always check in with the host—especially for large groups!***
✨ We hope to see you then!
Please RSVP, pre-order, and come hungry. Let’s make it a fun summer dinner!Thanks,
Yumi - 🏛️ 🚶♀️ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History Tour✨Digital Realty Chicago ORD10 (Former RR Donnelly & Sons Plant), Chicago, IL
🏛️ 🚶♀️ Gilded Age Glamour: Prairie Avenue Architecture & History Tour ✨
Stroll through one of Chicago’s most historic neighborhoods on this guided walk exploring Prairie Avenue’s Gilded Age mansions, landmark churches, and architectural gems. Discover stories of Chicago’s elite, industrial might, and stunning design in a district that defined the city’s rise.
***
📅 Saturday, July 19, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Start: RR Donnelly & Sons Plant 350 E Cermak
🎯 End: Chess Records, 2120 S Michigan Ave, (~3 blocks away from start)
💥 Cost: $20 per person (paid at start — Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
🚶♀️ Distance: Approx. 1.5 miles outdoors
⚠️ Note: The walk ends about 3 blocks from where we start. Plan parking accordingly—it’s an easy walk back if you park in between.
***
🚶♂️ What to Expect
✅ ~1.5 miles of relaxed outdoor walking
✅ Gilded Age mansions & landmark churches
✅ Chicago industrial & business history
✅ Surviving architecture from Prairie Avenue’s golden era
✅ Stories of Pullman, Armour, Field & other Chicago titans📸 While not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of incredible architecture and historic spots to snap!
Multi-meetup groups will be attending!
Led by an official, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide (that’s me!), this tour will trace Prairie Avenue’s journey from an 1800s frontier to Chicago’s “sunny street that held the sifted few,” packed with fascinating local history.
***
🏛️ Stops & Highlights
✨ Wheeler Mansion – 2020 S Calumet Ave
🏠 Harriet F. Rees House
🏛️ Marshall Field Jr. Mansion
🪑 Glessner House (exterior)
⚔️ Battle of Fort Dearborn Park
🌳 Chicago Women's Park & Gardens
🌳 The Battle of Fort Dearborn Park
🏠 Henry B. Clarke House (exterior)
🏭 RR Donnelley & Sons Plant
🚗 BF Goodrich Co Building
⛪ Second Presbyterian Church
🏛️ And more landmark homes & buildings!
***
🍽️ Optional After-Tour Bites & Drinks
After our walk, all are welcome to join for food or drinks at one of these nearby spots:
🍺 Fat Pour Tapworks
🍝 Il Culaccino
🍕 Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
⚠️ Bring cash if joining for lunch—some places don’t do separate checks!
***
👟 What to Bring
✅ Good walking shoes
✅ Water
✅ Hand sanitizer
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing for a Chicago summer day
💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
***
🚗 Parking & Transit Tips
• Street parking on Calumet, Cermak, Indiana & side streets (watch permit signs)
• Remember: The Tour ends ~3 blocks from where we start, so plan parking accordingly
• Easy CTA access—check your route with the CTA Trip Planner
***
📌 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✅ Please keep your RSVP up to date.
✅ No-shows without updates make planning harder for everyone.
✅ Cutoff time to update your RSVP is the event start time.
***
Come experience the hidden history, Gilded Age architecture, and fascinating stories of Prairie Avenue on this guided summer morning walk.✨ Space is limited—RSVP now and join us for this unique neighborhood adventure! 🏛️🚶♀️✨
- 🍷 Swirl, Sip, Repeat: $10 Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Buzzed by ZEA 🍷Buzzed By ZEA - Salon & Bar, Chicago, IL
🍷 Swirl, Sip, Repeat: $10 Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Buzzed by ZEA 🍷
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM (we will meet at 5:30 pm but can come earlier)
📍 Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar – 3707 N Halsted St, Chicago
💰 Only $10Unwind midweek with a relaxed and fun wine tasting experience hosted by the always engaging Michael Roberts, expert sommelier and chocolatier! For just $10, you’ll enjoy generous pours of up to 6 wines from around the globe—plus the chance to purchase your favorites (most bottles under $25). 🍷🍫
✨ Highlights:
- Casual, walk-around format—perfect for after work
- No food pairings, but chocolates are for sale 🍫
- Several lite bites/charcuteries available for purchase 🍴
- All wines 🛍️ are available for purchase at discounted prices
- Great way to sample new wines and discover hidden gems
- Ideal for both newbies and wine nerds alike—Michael keeps it fun and informative!
- 🥂 Stay afterward if you’d like to grab a bite nearby—there are plenty of great options
🍽️ Buzzed by ZEA doesn’t serve food, but we’ll grab dinner nearby afterward for anyone interested.
💬 If you love Michael’s Wine Classes but can’t always make the big month-end sessions, this is your chance to experience his magic in a more casual, weekly Wednesday night setting—still fun, still informative, but more low-key. No food pairings, just great wine and great company!
🚫 No wine snobs here! Michael keeps things educational, approachable, and super enjoyable for all levels
***
📍 Venue Vibe:
Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar is a stylish neighborhood spot—a hybrid hair salon + craft cocktail bar where you can sip, socialize, and savor. During the day, it’s a salon; by night, the music goes up and the vibe turns lounge-y! Chic, cozy, and lively, it’s the perfect midweek escape.More info:
🔗 Buzzed by ZEA Website
🔗 Facebook Page
🔗 Michael’s Chocolate & Wine Classes – Divine Dales
***
🚗 Getting There:
🚇 Easy by CTA: Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps
🚘 Driving? Metered parking on Halsted + limited free parking on side streets. Check signs carefully!
🅿️ For best parking: use SpotHero or ParkWhiz
***
⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy:
🚫 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze
⏰ Cut-off to update RSVP = event start time
📲 Missed check-in? Message the host directly
❌ Repeated no-shows = removal from the group
***
🍷 Come solo or bring a friend—Michael always makes it a great night. Whether you’re wine curious or wine obsessed, this is the perfect way to ease into summer Wednesdays!
