19 Awesome February Wine Events Coming Up Soon

By John Lenart in Food on Jan 29, 2016 3:23PM

February brings a huge assortment of outstanding wine events to Chicago. Not only is it Valentine’s season (Can you say chocolate and wine?), but there are a number of Italian wine events to help you explore various amazing wines from Italy. A great neighborhood wine shop, In Fine Spirits, celebrates its 11th anniversary with a tasting, Table Donkey and Stick's Terroir Tuesdays continue to impress and we discover a little talked about, amazing series at III Forks. All of those and plenty more great wine events are coming your way in February.

Feb. 1 to 14

Castello Banfi Takeover
Eataly
43 E. Ohio St.
Price vary

Castello Banfi is taking over Vino Libero in Eataly and making it into the Banfi Bar. Serving the wines of Castello Banfi along with a menu of antipasti and desserts.

The following wines are on the menu:
Rosa Regale
Centine (Bianco, Rose, Rosso)
San Angelo PG
Belnero
Brunello

Feb. 2

Italian Wine Tasting & Dinner with a Trio of "Tre Bicchieri" Hosted by Vin Chicago
Pane Caldo
111 E. Chestnut
7:00 p.m.
$120 per person inclusive

Every year, in early February, the Gambero Rosso tour stops in Chicago to feature their highest award winning wines, designated as "Tre Bicchieri," or Three Glasses. This year, Vin Chicago rounded up three top winemakers from Piedmont, Tuscany and Friuli for a private tasting and 4-course dinner featuring their best wines.

This event features winemakers Sergio Germano of Ettore Germano in Barolo, Moreno Petrini of Tuscany's Tenuta di Valgiano, and Friuli's Marko Primosic. The evening begins with a tasting of ten wines accompanied by passed appetizers, followed by a 4-course dinner with each course featuring an award-winning "Tre Bicchieri" wine to be presented by each of the winemakers.

Reception
Special meet-and-greet tasting of ten wines with passed appetizers
- assorted selection of wines from each estate -

Antipasti
Bacala Mantecato, Ceci Crostini
Primosic Ribolla di Oslavia Riserva Collio 2011

Pasta Course
Duck Foie Gras Ravioli, Duck Broth
Poggerino "Bugiala" Chianti Classico Riserva 2012

Risotto Course
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Tenuta di Valgiano Colline Lucchesi 2012

Secondi
Braised Short Rib, Concasse, Grilled Polenta
Ettore Germano "Prapo" Barolo 2011

Dolce
Assorted Chocolate Truffles & Cookies

For reservations call Vin Chicago at 773-489-3454.

Feb. 3

“Sommelier for a Day” Wine Tasting at III Forks
III Forks
180 N. Field Blvd
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
$20

Here's an event that we haven't heard about until recently but sounds fantastic. III Forks Prime Steakhouse, Sommelier Chris McFall will lead participants through a sampling of six different wines from France, paired with hors d’oeuvres crafted by Executive Chef Billy Caruso. Guests taste each selection and then vote on their favorite to be featured for the month.

Wines to be served include:

Andre Clouet, NV Brut Rose Grand Cru Bouzy
Meyer-Fonne, “Wineck-Schlossberg” Grand Cru Riesling Alsace 2006
Hubert Lamy, “Derriere Chez Edouard 1er Cru Saint-Aubin 2012
Jean-Paul Brun, Domaine Terres Dorees Cote de Brouilly-Beaujolais 2009
Lignier-Michelot, “Vieilles Vignes” Chambolle-Musigny 2008
Domaine Mathieu, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012

At just $20 this is a great value and one that you don't want to miss

To RSVP, call III Forks at 312-938-4303.

Italian Winemaker Dinner in Barrington Hosted by Vin Chicago
Near Restaurant
Barrington Commons Ct.
6:00 p.m.
$120 per person inclusive

If you missed the Tre Biccheri dinner on February 2nd, here's your chance to grab a seat in Barrington.
Every year, in early February, the Gambero Rosso tour stops in Chicago to feature their highest award winning wines, designated as "Tre Bicchieri," or Three Glasses. These wines represent less than 2 percent of the nearly 25,000 wines evaluated to determine which will receive the prestigious award. Vin Chicago is honored to host three Tre Bicchieri-winning winemakers: Sergio Germano of Ettore Germano in Barolo, Moreno Petrini of Tuscany’s Tenuta di Valgiano and Friuli’s Marko Primosic. The evening begins with a tasting of ten wines accompanied by passed appetizers followed by a 5-course dinner by Chef Gaetano Nardulli. Each course features a “Tre Bicchieri” wine presented by its winemaker.

For reservations CLICK HERE or call Jen, Jim or Lyle at 847-277-0033

Feb. 4

In Fine Spirits 11th Anniversary Tasting
The Brixton (Second Floor)
5418 N. Clark
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$30

Celebrate one of our favorite neighborhood wine shops’ 11th anniversary with a special evening featuring over 30 wines for sampling, spirits, snacks, giveaways, and more.

For tickets click here.

PlumpJack Estate Release Dinner
Swift and Sons
1000 W. Fulton Market
6:30 p.m.
$135 per person plus tax and gratuity

An exclusive wine dinner in celebration of the Midwest release of PlumpJack Estate’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. Guests will dine on a five-course menu from executive chef Chris Pandel alongside PlumpJack wine pairings including their 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, 2013 Napa Valley Merlot and the 2013 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. PlumpJack Regional Sales Manager Steele Cooper and Swift & Sons Wine Director Marcello Cancelli will be on hand to present and discuss each of the wines.

To reserve call 312.733.9420 

Feb. 9

2nd annual Acanto Wine Gladiator Challenge
Acanoto
18 S. Michigan
6:00 p.m.
$199 per person inclusive

One of last year's most fun and talked about wine events makes its return. It's the Chicago sommelier version of the Super Bowl, Ali versus Frazier, Magic versus Bird—an event not to be missed. Ten of Chicago's top somms face off in head-to-head duels throughout this five-course meal. Each course will be accompanied by two wines, each selected by one of the completing sommeliers. Guests will not know which somm has selected which wine. Dish and wine descriptions will be provided to guests, who will choose one favorite wine pairing for each course. After the final dish of the evening, guests will vote for the best overall pairing.

The Somm Gladiators competing for the coveted engraved champagne sabre from Sonoma Champagne Sabres, which is awarded to the champion are:

James Bube, director of education for Heritage Wine Cellars

Andrew Algren, The Cherry Circle Room (Defending champion)

Christopher McFall, III Forks

Rachel Driver Speckan, City Winery

Michael Taylor, Del Frisco's

Jen Schmitt, Everest

Steven Morgan, Formento’s

Bret Heiar, Nico Osteria

Charles Ford, The Bristol

Elizabeth Mendez, Vera

The Somm Slam dinner menu includes:

First Course
Sunchoke and cauliflower soup with uni, smoked cocoa nib, spruce king crab and lardo

Second Course
Brittany turbot with shellfish, potato, black truffle and bone marrow

Third Course
Squid ink garganelli with fire-roasted cherry tomato, pomelo, green olive and cured tuna heart

Fourth Course
Poached bison tenderloin with roasted foie gras, mushroom, mirepoix and glace de viande

Dessert
Blood orange tart with burnt honey meringue, candied citrus and brown butter sable

For reservations call 312-578-0763.

Round Table Tasting - Chateau Angelus
Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe
824 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northbrook
No Charge

Join Knightsbridge Wine Shoppe and the Co-Owner of Chateau Angelus for a Round Table Tasting featuring their first and second labels. The Angélus style results from the combination of bold decisions on vine varieties and an outstanding terroir. It is this unique character born of the south-facing Saint-Emilion slopes with its large proportion of cabernet franc.
Taste several wines from this legendary estate including the 99 point 2009 Estate.

To attend click here.

Terroir Tuesdays: Featuring Crozes Hermitage
Table, Donkey and Stick
2728 W. Armitage Ave.
5:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$8 to $10 per glass

Taste 2013 vintage from two really exciting producers, Dard et Ribo and Gilles Robin. and 2003 vintage from two classic Rhone producers: Jaboulet and Chapoutier.

Dard et Ribo Crozes-Hermitage 2013
Gilles Robin Crozes-Hermitage Cuvee Papillon 2013
Paul Jaboulet Aine, Domaine de Thalabert, Crozes-Hermitage 2003
Chapoutier 'Les Varoniers' Crozes-Hermitage 2003

February 10, 2016

Love Potion Chocolate & Wine Event
The Boarding House
720 N. Wells St.
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$28 per person

Join Owner, Master Sommelier Alpana Singh and The Boarding House’s Executive Pastry Chef Julia Fitting for an evening of sinful sweets and the world's oldest love potion - wine.

The self-guided, go-at-your own pace, reception style tasting event offers the following:

• MILK CHOCOLATE Milk Chocolate and Passion Fruit Bon Bon ~ La Posta Malbec, Argentina
• DARK CHOCOLATE 64 percent Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Marshmallow ~ Buglioni Sparkling Rose di Molinara
• WHITE CHOCOLATE Dried Fruit, Pistachio and Ginger Mendiant ~ Bele Casel Prosecco di Valdobiadenne
• CHOCOLATE CAKE Dark chocolate bouche de noel, hazelnut buttercream ~ Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
• CHOCOLATE & CARAMEL Chocolate Caramel Crémeux Cup ~ Graham’s Ten Year Tawny Port
• MELTED CHOCOLATE Do it yourself white and dark chocolate fondue station ~ Brachetto d’Acqui

Following the reception, guests receive 25 percent off of dinner and drinks.

To reserve click here.

Pre-V-Day Libation Tastings at Lush Wine & Spirits
Lush Wine & Spirits
2232 W. Roscoe St.
7:00 p.m.
$35 per person (Excluding tax and gratuity)

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Lush provides the opportunity to learn about Champagne, wines and spirits, under the guidance of sommelier and wine specialist Bob Bansberg. A selection of artisan snacks will be provided. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect bottle to share with your valentine, or just want to sample something, this interactive tasting will fit the bill.

To reserve email phyllis@lushwineandspirits.com or call (773) 281-8888

Feb. 11

Pre-V-Day Libation Tastings at Lush Wine & Spirits
Lush Wine & Spirits
1412 W. Chicago Ave.
7:00 p.m.
$35 per person (Excluding tax and gratuity)

In case you missed the event at Lush Roscoe Village you can attend Lush West Town's version of the event above.

To reserve email phyllis@lushwineandspirits.com or call (312) 666-6900

Feb. 14

Wine and Chocolate at Katherine Anne Confections
Katherine Anne Confections
2745 W. Armitage Ave.
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
$65 per person

It's that day, so share some sweets with your sweet. Katherine will be joined by Damien Casten of Candid Wines to guide lovebirds through an eight-course chocolate and wine pairing.

The Pairings include:

1. NV Azienda Agricola Casalone “Mariposa” Braccheto. Piedmont, Italy
Champagne & Rose marshmallow
Strawberry Mint Green Tea truffle

2. 2010 Turner Pageot Le Blanc, Languedoc, France
Apple Cider + Caraway caramel
Brown Butter Hazelnut truffle

3. 2011 Scherrer “Huntsman” Grenache blend - Russian River Valley, California
Cherry Earl Grey fleur de sel caramel
Basil truffle

4. 2013 Minimus Experiment No.14 Carbonic Maceration, Rogue Valley, Oregon
Stout + Cacao Nib caramel
Mocha Whiskey Walnut truffle

5. 2010 Domaine de Petit Coteau Moelleux, Vouvray, France
Passionfruit truffle
Grapefruit Cashew caramel

6. 2007 Cosimo Maria Masini “Fedardo”, Vin Santo - Tuscany, Italy
Gold Rush truffle
Banana + Hefeweizen + Clove caramel

7. 1999 Schwibinger Pinot Gris Auslese, Rheinhessen, Germany
Jameson Caramel Swirl marshmallow
Meyer Lemon truffle

8. 2009 Barra of Mendocino “Bella Dolce” Petite Sirah, Mendocino, California
Pink Peppercorn + Rose fleur de sel caramel
Cafe Miel truffle
To reserve click here.

Feb. 16

La Spinetta Tasting at Osteria Langhe
Osteria Langhe
2824 W. Armitage Ave.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$25 per person

Osteria Langhe welcomes Giorgio Rivetti from La Spinetta. While chef Cameron Grant worked in Piemonte, one of Giorgio's favorite places to eat was Cameron’s restaurant, “Profumo Divino”, located in the heart of Barbaresco in the village of Treiso. Now join Giorgio, owner Aldo Zaninotto and Chef Grant as they reunite for a tasting of the wines from La Spinetta. The format is casual, just stroll on in or make table reservations.

Terroir Tuesdays: Featuring Chateau de Beaucastel Vertical
Table Donkey and Stick
2728 W. Armitage Ave.
5:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$6 to $12 per pour

Here's a fantastic chance to taste a vertical of classic Rhone wines at an unbelievably friendly price. Do not miss this chance!

Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1988
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010
Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2005
Possibly one more white (2000 Chateaueuf-du-Pape Blanc)

Feb. 17

White Oak Tavern tasting with Liz Bowen of Domaine Sainte Croix
White Oak Tavern
1200 W. Webster St.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
$29 per person

Join White Oak Tavern for a tasting of wines from Domaine Sainte Croix in France's Languedoc region. Elizabeth Bowen from the Domaine will be here to discuss the wines from family estate. There will be five wines available to taste and purchase in partnership with Punt & Plume, as well as some treats from their cellars and passed hors d'oeuvres from Chef Tom Van Lente.  

To reserve click here.

Feb. 18

Vin Chicago Naperville's Winter Wine Fest
Tamarack Golf Course
24032 Royal Worlington Drive, Naperville
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$37 per person

Vin Chicago hosts a wine tasting featuring over 40 wines from near and far. Being poured is cabernet from California and Washington, syrah from the Rhone Valley and the Central Coast, Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, Rioja, Oregon and California pinot noir, California red blends, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and many other big red wines. Also featured will be Champagne and whites from around the world. Proceeds from the event will support Project HELP, a mentoring program designed to help local families lead better lives.

To reserve call 630-717-7800 and ask for Dawn, Kat or Mike or click here.

Feb. 21

ENOversity
ENO Wine Room
505 N. Michigan Ave.
3:00 p.m.
$55 per person

While Champagne is king, it's not the end of the road when it comes to bubbles. This month ENOversity at ENO Wine Room pops some bubbles from places other than Champagne. Find some great values and explore sparkling wines from around the world.

For tickets click here.

Feb. 23

Terroir Tuesdays: Featuring Monthelie Douhairet Porcheret Burgundy Magnums
Table Donkey and Stick
2728 W. Armitage Ave.
5:30 p.m. to- 12:00 p.m.
$10 to $12 per glass

Here's a chance to taste some great burgundies from a legendary producer with a bit of age and poured from big bottles.

Monthelie Clos du Meix Garnier Monopole 2006 
Monthelie Clos du Meix Garnier Monopole 2008
Volnay 1er Cru En Champans 2008