14 Wine Events Not to Miss In November

By John Lenart in Food on Oct 29, 2015 7:00PM

From blind tasting to bubbles here's a list of some great wine events in November.

November 1, 2015

42nd Annual Pro-Am Wine Tasting Contest
Geja's Cafe
340 W. Armitage Ave.
1:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $20 at the door.

You've seen somms blind taste—now it's your turn to put your palate to the test. But don't worry, you won't be tasting against Master Sommeliers. There are both professional and amateur divisions. Eight unmarked carafes of wine are placed before the competitors and tasting starts. Participants are challenged to identify the grape, country, region, sub-region, vintage and producer of each wine. The Grand Award for the highest scorer in each category will be an engraved crystal wine decanter. This is one of the most fun wine events of the year!

November 3, 2015

Terroir Tuesday
Table Donkey and Stick
2728 W. Armitage Ave.

Taste the fantastic wines of Whitcraft Winery from Santa Barbara with guest winemaker Dave Whitcraft. Terroir Tuesday offers guests the chance to taste hard to find, rare and back vintage wine not typically offered by the glass.

November 6, 2015

Pisoni Wine Dinner
City Winery
1200 W. Randolph
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: $80

This dinner showcases wines from Italy’s historic Pisoni winery, one of the oldest distilleries in Trentino. This dinner will be led by winery owner Elio Pisoni, explaining the distinctive nature of the wines and how they complement the unique three course dinner. Wines and grappa to be served include: Moscato Secco 2013, Nosiola 2014, Rebo 2011, Sarica 2011, Vino Santo 1997, Cuor di Cioccolata, Chardonnay Grappa, Stravecchia Grappa and Limoncello. Reserve here.

November 8, 2015

Burgundy and Champagne Holiday Tasting
Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe
824 Sunset Ridge Rd.
Northbrook
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$50 per person (Entry fee applicable to a $500 purchase)

One of Chicagoland's premier wine shops pulls the corks on over 100 great Burgundies and Champagnes. Reserve your spot by calling 847-498-9300.

Some highlights include:

Jean Vesselle Champagnes
Yves Boyer-Martenot Meursault & Puligny-Montrachet
Pousse d'Or 1er Crus from Volnay & Santenay
Domaine Anne Gros Echezeaux
Domaine Robert Groffier - Passetoutgrain, Gevrey Chambertin & 1er & Grand Crus
Comte de Vogue, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
Denis Mortet
Morey Coffinet
Champagne Gonet de Medeville
Krug "Grand Cuvee" & Vintage
Ruinart "Blanc de Blancs" "Rose" & "Cuvee Dome Ruinart" 2002 & 2004
Moet & Chandon "Dom Perignon" - 1998 "P2" - 2004 Rose - 2005 Blanc
Veuve Clicqout "La Grande Dame" 2004
Domaine Bernard Moreau Blancs & Rouges from 2013
Roblet Monnot
Domaine Faiveley Village, 1er Cru - Plus special offering on 2008 Clos de Beze

November 12, 2015

Around the World Wine Tasting
White Oak Tavern and Inn
1200 W. Webster St.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$25 per person

One of Chicago's most beloved neighborhood spots presents highlights from its newly expanded wine list. Beverage Director and GM Michael Pickering pours wines from France, Spain, Australia and the U.S. An appetizer pairing buffet loaded with house specialties will also be served. Call 773-248-0200 to reserve.

Leonardo LoCascio Selections of Tuscany, with Jesse Becker MS
The WineBar located in the Lounge of Plum Market Old Town
1233 N. Wells
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$20 per person

Master Sommelier Jesse Becker takes you on a virtual tour of one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Jesse will guide as guests taste Poggio Scalette Chianti Classico, Valdipiatta Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and more! Purchase tickets here.

Chimney Rock Wine Dinner
The Bristol
2152 N. Damen Ave.
6:30 p.m.
$175 per person, inclusive

The Bristol is proud to present an incredible evening of food and wine featuring Chimney Rock Winery on Thursday, November 12. Chef Sean Pharr's four-course dinner will be accompanied by wine pairings and discussion led by Chimney Rock wine maker, Elizabeth Vianna. Reserve by calling 773-862-5555. The Menu includes:

Warm Gruyere Gougères & 
Shrimp Toast with Spicy Chili, Lime, Togarashi 
paired with 2013 Chimney Rock Sauvignon Gris

Fall Apple Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Pecans 
paired with 2013 Chimney Rock Elevage Blanc

Boar Lasagna with Chimney Rock Béchamel, SarVecchio 
paired with 2012 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap District 

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Beauregard Potatoes
paired with 2012 Chimney Rock Elevage Red Blend

Selection of Cheese with Accoutrements 
paired with 2012 Chimney Rock Tomahawk Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

LuxeHome Presents CHILL: An International Wine & Culinary Event
Merchandise Mart
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$95 per person

The Ninth Annual CHILL, an International Wine and Culinary Event featuring wines from around the world paired with bites from some of Chicago's best chefs amidst the ambiance of the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation all in the name of charity. Tickets can be purchased here.

November 13, 2015

Chimney Rock Wine Dinner featuring Wine Maker Elizabeth Vianna
Del Frisco's
58 E. Oak St.
6:30 p.m.
$175 + per person

In case you miss the Chimney Rock Wine Dinner on Nov. 12, here's your second chance. This four course meal showcases the wines of Napa Valley's Chimney Rock. Meet and discuss the wines with winemaker Elizabeth Vianna. The menu includes:
Passed appetizers paired with Duval Leroy N.V. Champagne

I
Blue Crab in Butter Lettuce paired with Chimney Rock “Elevage Blanc” Sauvignon Blanc/Sauvignon Gris Napa Valley 2013

II
Rack of Lamb paired with Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley 2012

III
Espresso Rubbed New York Strip paired with Chimney Rock “Elevage” Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley 2011 and Chimney Rock “Tomahawk Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012

Dessert
White Chocolate Crème Brule paired with Chimney Rock “Elevage” Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley 2006

For Reservations: email delschicagowineevents@gmail.com or call (312) 888-2499

November 19, 2015

Champagne Night in the South Loop
Binny's South Loop
1132 S. Jefferson St.
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$40 per person (with your Binny's Card)

Taste a wide range of Champagnes from tête de cuvées, small production specialties, to the finest grower Champagnes around. Highlights include Krug Grand Cuvee, Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, Taittinger Comte de Champagne, Vilmart, Egly Ouriet, and much, much more. To RSVP call 312-768-4400.

‘Tis the Day for Beaujolais at Paris Club Bistro & Bar
Paris Club Bistro and Bar
59 W. Hubbard St.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$35 per person
Yeah, yeah, it's fruity and simple and not at all serious, but it makes for a fun party regardless! Celebrate Beaujolais Day this year with a premier tasting event at Paris Club Bistro & Bar. The walk-around style tasting features the release of the latest vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau alongside the more esteemed “cru” vineyards of this famous wine region, showcasing nearly two-dozen different wines. Reserve by contacting parisclubparties@leye.com or by calling 312-595-0800.

November 20, 2015

Pinot Noir Tasting Party
City Winery
1200 W. Randolph St.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$40 per person

Join City Winery as it strips off the mystery, pulls back the veil, and goes deep down to the roots of Pinot Noir. Here is a grape that makes wines that are impressive, expressive and ethereal. Unravel the mysterious and seductive wine whose reputation has been built on its elegance and finesse, yet which is often considered to be among the most difficult grapes to cultivate and vinify.
From Burgundy to Oregon, New Zealand, and even New York, guests taste through an array of delightful and delicious Pinot Noirs. Reserve here.

November 30, 2015

Down the Rabbit Hole with Mark Tarlov and Joseph Spellman, Master Sommelier
City Winery
1200 W. Randolph St.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$65 per person

Here's an event to stimulate the intellect after a weekend of tryptophan and football: Down the Rabbit Hole: With Mark Tarlov and Joseph Spellman, Master Sommelier
Drink, discuss, and dissect an array of tantalizing and mad topics. Throughout the evening, Mark and Joe will have free range and inspiration to cover any topic from literature to science to wine, of course. Guests taste approximately eight wines from Chapter 24 and a smattering of Justin Vineyards wine to create a stream of dialogue and fun. Purchase tickets here.

Krug Champagne. White Truffles. RPM Steak.
RPM Steak
66 W. Kinzie St.
6:30 p.m.
$295 per person (plus tax; gratuity not included)

If you're looking to kick off the holiday season like a high roller check out this luxe event. Sommelier Richard Hanauer will be hosting the one and only House of Krug at RPM Steak for evening of champagne and white truffles. Vintage Krug from 1998, 2000 and 2003, plus a very limited-release Krug rosé and the most recent release of Krug Grand Cuvée. These Champagnes will be pairing with a menu featuring white truffles from Alba—in dishes like Krug-poached sea scallop and dry-aged beef with brown butter & cauliflower. Reservations can be made by calling 312-284-4990 or email rpmsteakparties@leye.com.