The 16 best wine shops in Chicago

Perman Wine Selections is the Apple store of vino: The immaculately organized shop is sleek, sexy and focused. In-the-know Chicagoans flock here for the curated selection of wines by Craig Perman himself, a vino fiend who's firmly rooted in the city's culinary community. The talented team goes above and beyond to take the guesswork out of the shopping experience, so you'll never aimlessly wander the aisles (unless you want to, of course). The stock of bespoke spirits, sake and beer makes it a one-stop shop for all your boozy needs.

Whether you're still sussing out the natural wine world or you're well-versed in the movement, Red & White is a great place to learn. The environmentally conscious shop specializes in natural pours and hard-to-find booze in all forms, making it wonderfully easy to try something that will blow your taste buds away. The easiest way to dip your toes in the water is by joining Red & White's wine club, which scores you three bottles from the shop's favorite producers every single month, saving you a trip to the big-box liquor store.

Catering to the city's wine enthusiasts, 57th Street Wines is a magnet for Hyde Park residents and far-flung fans. Housed in the historic and restored former O’Gara & Wilson space—one of Chicago's oldest businesses until 2013—the shop stocks a thoughtfully curated (yet un-stuffy) selection of wines. You'll find labels from around the world, at a wide range of price points, some starting at less than $10.

Whether you're looking for a special bottle of wine to give as a gift or you're hankering for a loaded charcuterie board, this cafe and bottle shop has you covered. The menu at All Together Now sources market-fresh produce from Midwestern farms and utilizes smoked and cured meats from Underground Meats in Madison, Wisconsin. The crew behind the counter is ready to point out a wine or two that you're bound to adore.

Mitch Einhorn was so fed up with the lackluster selection at Chicago big-box liquor and grocery stores that he decided to open his own shop. Now he has two Chicago locations (and another in Evanston) that cater to quality booze lovers all over the city. The shop stocks a plethora of eclectic wine labels, unique spirits and plenty of unique craft beers. No clue what you're doing? You don't have to worry about that here; the passionate staff will give you a quick 101 without any disapproving attitude.

A family-owned establishment and sister shop to Little Italy's Wine on Taylor, Printers Row Wine Shop has been a South Loop staple for more than 15 years. The store is known for its rustic charm and selection of small-batch spirits, craft brews and wine from local distributors. The cozy in-store bar (and patio, come summer) offers customers the chance to try before they buy with a great list of vino and beer on offer.

Natural wine nerds and novices flock to this Logan Square storefront, where every bottle is hand-curated by owners Bradford Taylor, Mac Parsons and Ann Marie Meiers. Guests can browse rows and rows of wines that are free of additives and crafted with organically farmed grapes. Perhaps most importantly, everything in stock was created by humans, making the selection that much more personal. If you're new to all things natural, sign up for Diversey Wine's monthly club, which gets you two bottles of juice with a ton of wonderfully geeky information about background, tasting notes and pairing recommendations.

Touting locations in San Francisco and New York City, Verve Wine's first Midwest outpost is nestled inside Lincoln Common, a luxury apartment complex and retail destination in Lincoln Park. The concept, which was dreamed up by master sommelier Dustin Wilson and retail expert Derrick Mize, aims to be a no-fuss outlet for folks who are curious about wine. In-house manager and somm Nisha Aher won't bog you down with complex terminology or intimidating questions—instead, she'll help you find the perfect new release to pair with tonight's takeout order. Look out for a chef-driven wine bar coming to the space in 2021; in the meantime, winos can sign up for The Grand Tour, Verve's monthly club that includes four bottles that help imbibers explore wine regions of the world.

Wine snobs and newbies are equally welcome and taken care of at this beloved Edgewater wine shop. The wines, many of which are $20 and less, are arranged by country, with helpful descriptions for some of the staff's favorite bottles. Plus, don't miss the extensive selection of bitters and local spirits while you're stocking up.

Connoisseurs and history buffs will appreciate the admirable collection at this family-run Chicago institution that's been around for more than 130 years. Look for specialty wines and sought-after vintages appreciated by oenophiles, plus wine classes throughout the week and free tastings each Saturday. For a nip after your shopping stop, hit up the bar: In early 2013, the family re-established the tavern adjoining their original 1888 shop that closed before Prohibition—a move more than 90 years in the making.

Nestled amongst the restaurants and bars that line Division Street in Wicker Park, Joe's Wine Cellar is a welcome neighbor that does double duty as a bottle shop and a tasting room. It's the kind of place where you can stock up on wines under $10 or track down a rare vintage for a special occasion. Not sure what you want? Step right up to the WineStation for a half or full pour from a 16-bottle wine-dispensing system, or what owner Joe Dalton calls “a slot machine for drinking adults.”

Late-night spot East Room closed back in 2019, but co-owner Zack Eastman (Dorian's, Saved by the Max) has resurrected the space as a bar and bottle shop with a sprawling back patio that backs up into the Blue Line. Appropriately named Easy Does It, the storefront is a casual, laid-back joint where folks can sip or stock up on natural wines, local beers and specialty beverages. A virtual marketplace makes it easy to shop a slew of wines you've probably never heard of, each of which are marked with fun, approachable tasting notes (like a chardonnay from Sonoma that's labeled "not your aunt's Cali butter bomb").

Wine shops can be intimidating to the amateur drinker, sometimes feeling more like showrooms than stores, with men in ponytails taking deep sniffs of Sangiovese while proclaiming themselves "oenophiles." Not Vinic. This Evanston alcohol outpost is overloaded like a cool record shop, casual and friendly. The wines are cheap and described in delectable, approachable terms. It's the kind of place you can feel comfortable just picking a pretty label without worry of feeling inferior or grabbing some vinegary swill. The back room packs loads of craft beer and regional artisanal booze, bitters, mixers. Vinic gets you into wine without having to be into wine.

This family-run retailer has been selling wine since the '30s and it shows. With locations in Highland Park, Barrington and Chicago, Vin prides itself on its carefully curated stock, knowledgeable team and affordable pricing—the trifecta of wine shopping. It'd be a shame to visit and not lean on the staff for recommendations; many of them are professionally trained and certified wine experts who are excited to share their wisdom with you.

This boutique wine shop in Noble Square operates under the philosophy that wine should be approachable and affordable, a mission that we can totally get behind. With more than a decade of experience in its glass—and a great selection of local craft beer and spirits—the Noble Grape has become the neighborhood's trusted booze shop. Keep an eye out for sustainable wines that come from vineyards that use organic practices; there are plenty sprinkled around the cozy storefront.

Founded as a means to get artisanal wines into consumers' hands, Winestyr is an online marketplace and wine club that stocks bottles you won't find at Binny's. Think of it as the Warby Parker of vino. Lucky for Chicagoans, the company also has a sleek showroom in the West Loop that hosts private appointments for hopeful members and wine enthusiasts alike. Wine consultations are free but must be booked ahead of time, so don't plan on walking in without an appointment. Don't want to fuss with a trip to the West Loop? That's exactly what Winestyr's Wine Club is for—you can get three to six bottles ferried to your home for about $80 to $180 depending on what you like to drink. Consider your fridge stocked.