Wine Wednesday: We've Got Your Weekend Wine Events

By Caitlin Klein in Food on Mar 14, 2012 6:20PM

Holy moly, it's warm outside. This is the perfect time to venture out of your apartment and rejoin civilization. And really, what's more civilized than sipping glasses of wine? Here are your weekend wine-related events around Chicagoland.

Thursday

Francesca’s Vicinato in Palos Park is hosting a “Wines from the Hall” dinner from 7-9pm. The featured wine selections are all from the Hall Winery in Napa Valley. The Hall Winery is sending a representative, Jason Horek, to discuss the wines as they pair with the meal. Here are the selections:

Capesante con Purea di Finoccheitto, seared scallop with caramelized fennel and goat cheese puree, shaved fennel, shaved raw asparagus and ruby grapefruit. Paired with Hall Sauvignon Blanc.

Tonno al Pepe Nero, peppered Ahi tuna with tomato compote and rosemary. Paired with Hall “Darwin” Proprietary Red.

Anatra Arrosto con Gnocchetti, roasted duck breast with black pepper gnocchi, braised duck leg, forest mushrooms and ramps. Paired with Hall Merlot.

Filetto Grigliato con Fonduta di Patate, grilled filet with fonduta potato, caramelized Brussels sprouts, garlic and sage. Paired with Hall Cabernet Sauvignon.

Assortimento di Biscotti, an assortment of artisanal and homemade cookies, served with coffee.

All of this can be yours for $52 and a call to reserve your space at Francesca’s Vicinato.

Francesca’s Vicinato is located at 12960 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park. 708-671-1600.

Friday

Schaefer’s Fine Wines in Skokie is hosting a “rarities” collectors’ event. There will be a seated tasting from 7-9pm. Space is limited to 30 people. Attendees will taste several flights. There will even be wine from the late 1960s. Shaefer’s sommelier will guide guests through the tasting. Light hors-d'oeuvres will be served. Seats are $50 and must be reserved ASAP. If the event is full, you may be able to get on the waiting list.

Schaefer’s is located at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie. 847-677-9463.

Saturday

Sportsman’s Liquors in Schaumburg is hosting their 6th annual Spring Wine Tasting from 1-5pm. They’ll bring out a staggering 75 wines (really) and serve cheese and crackers. No reservations are required. Best of all, it’s free.

Sportsman Liquors is located at 1421 W Schaumburg Rd. 847-524-1471.