Chicagoist's Weekend Wine Picks
By Caitlin Klein in Food on Mar 17, 2011 6:40PM
Had enough green beer? Get out of the house and attend some of Chicago's wine tasting events and meet other local vinophiles. Here are our picks for wine-related events each day this weekend.
Thursday, March 17
River North: Rose Imports will host “Vino with a View” at Cityscape Bar from 6:00-8:00pm. The view alone would make this event worth attending, but you’ll also see a number of different varietals, including Lambrusco Rosso, Velletri Riserva, and Valtiglione Barbara D'Alba. Hungry attendees get a 20% discount off dinner in the adjacent ItaliAsia Restaurant. Cost for the event is a whopping zero dollars, but reservations are required. You can RSVP by emailing cityscape@martplaza.com.
Cityscape Bar is located on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center Drive.
Friday, March 18
The Loop: The Wine Discount Center will sponsor a wine tasting and Italian Winemakers Dinner at the University Club at 6:00pm. Famed importer Marc De Grazia will guide participants through wines of Barolo and Soave, with food from Chef Mark Baker. The cost, inclusive of tax and gratuity, is $145 per person. Reservations are required. You can reserve your spot by calling Mike or Amy at 773-489-3454. Note: The dress code at the University Club does not allow jeans, so plan accordingly.
Saturday, March 19
West Loop: Carnivale’s Executive Chef and local hunk David Dworshak finishes up the Carnivale University Winter Quarter with a cooking demo that will showcase three traditional Latin style dishes. Expect to see fresh ricotta cheese, corn sopes, and pork adobo with plantain chutney. Wine does not seem to be included in the cost, but during the demo, attendees can sip wine by the glass purchased from the bar. The event runs from 12:00-1:30pm and costs $25. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (312) 850-5005.
Sunday, March 20
Soup Loop: It’s time again for Cochon 555, an event that supports the conversation to preserve heritage pig breeds and family farms. A group of chefs will each prepare a 175-pound heritage breed hog from head to toe. Guests and local judges will determine a winner based on presentation, utilization, and overall best flavor. In addition, five selected winemakers will showcase their wines. Participating chefs are Mike Sheerin from Blackbird, Andrew Zimmerman from Sepia, Michael Fiorello from Mercat a la Planxa, Stephanie Izard from Girl and the Goat, and Chris Pandel from the Bristol. Participating wineries include Alysian Winery, Chase Family Cellars, Copain Wine Cellars, Red Care Wine, and Elk Cove Vineyards. Wow. This all-star lineup comes with an all-star price: $125 for a general admission and $175 for VIP. The VIP ticket gets you in early, access to more wines, cheese, and Black River Farm caviar. It’s not too late to purchase tickets, if you haven’t already. While you’re at it, could you buy one for us, too?
This event will be held at the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, which is located at 636 S. Michigan Ave. VIPS get in at 3:30pm, and regular folk enter at 5:00pm.