Shop Local for National Wine & Cheese Day
Among the myriad of food and drink pairings that have existed in history, none have been as prolific or have stood the test of time as long as one simple pairing: wine and cheese. The flavor profiles of these two culinary staples, while existing on the opposite ends of the spectrum, elevate each other in ways that surprise, entice, and delight food aficionados everywhere. In what other food-drink pairing can you blend something sharp and smoky with something sweet and earthy, and be enchanted by the result?
There are many ways to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day, whether you are a beginner or a well-versed connoisseur. You could plan an outing to a local shop where the owners give expert advice on pairings or host tastings, dine at an eatery that serves finely-crafted wine and cheese pairings, or even host your own home pairing party with wines and cheeses selected from nearby vendors.
No matter what your plans are, Chicagoland, Illinois, and the Midwest as a whole have plenty to offer in the way of local artisans and culinary geniuses. From incredible Illinois winemakers, to Chicago wine bars, to independently-owned midwest cheesemakers, read on to find the best spots to find your next favorite pairing.
The Wine
Chicago
Vin 312
Lincoln Square
For a cozy, inviting atmosphere full of great conversation and great wine, look no further than Chicago’s own Vin 312. Using grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the US, Vin 312 crafts unique wines that are inspired by the maker’s mission of sharing and uniqueness.
The House of Glunz
Old Town / Lincoln Park
With over 130 years of experience, this family-run Chicago institute is a longtime favorite among oenophiles and history buffs alike. Hard-to-find vintages and specialty wines are frequently in stock, and the House of Glunz also offers free weekly tastings as well as an adjoining tavern.
Diversey Wine
Logan Square
Diversy Wine is well-known for having an impeccably-curated selection of wines that are free of additives and produced with organic grapes. Browse rows of handpicked staples, specialties, and more, and try their monthly wine club which offers exciting new flavors as well as a plethora of helpful information about each bottle.
Joe’s Wine Cellar
Wicker Park
Looking for a casual spot in the heart of Chicago to experience new flavors? Whether you are an experienced wine taster or are looking to broaden your horizons, this cozy wine bar in Wicker Park has plenty to offer in the way of wines, spirits, craft beer, and even specialty cheeses.
All Together Now
West Town
This wine shop and marketplace has you covered for both bottles and accompaniments. The shop sources farm-fresh produce and meats from farms and producers throughout the Midwest, and their staff is always ready to help you select the perfect wine to go with your selections.
Red & White Wines
Bucktown
Red & White Wines specializes in natural pours and environmentally-conscious wines, as well as a host of other liquors you won’t find in just any store. Whether you are still new to the natural wine world or well-versed in the movement, this shop is a great place to learn more and find new favorites.
Chicagoland Suburbs
Knightsbridge Wine
Northbrook, Illinois
Named one of the best sources for Burgundy in the United States by Food & Wine Magazine, Knightsbridge is a leader in the Chicagoland wine scene. Visit the shop for sought-after wines and other rare offerings, consult with their expert staff on navigating their broad selection, or attend one of their many tastings held throughout the year.
SixtyFour Wine Bar
Napierville, Illinois
The owners of SixtyFour Wine Bar are known for making frequent trips to wine regions all around the world to find new flavors and add to their collection, and this dedication is evidenced by their large selection of wines on tap that are ready to enjoy at any time. For a fun environment and the freedom to experiment with a host of different wines, this is the place to be.
Evolet Eve Wine Shop
Warrenville, Illinois
Evolete Eve Wine Shop was founded and engineered with family in mind. For busy parents who would still like the chance to discover new bottles and connect with friends, the shop offers a relaxed, inclusive space where anyone of any age is welcome.
Vinissimo Wine
Evanston, Illinois
Inspired by family, heritage, and love of wine, Vinissimo Wine is Evanston’s premier shop for carefully-curated wines sourced from all over the world. Using his lifelong passion for wineries and vineyards, the owner of Vinissimo aims to inspire every palette with his selections, both novice and connoisseur.
Tannis Wine
Elmhurst, Illinois
Tannis was started in 2000 as a high-end retail wine shop, which soon evolved into a wine bar that is fully equipped for fun tastings or just a casual night out. Friendly staff and a casual atmosphere make the perfect pairing with Tennis’ rotating selection of quality, unique wines, available by the glass or by the bottle.
Tuscan Market and Wine Shop
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Part wine shop, part Italian/American delicatessen, and part casual bar, Tuscan Market and Wine Shop offers a unique experience to anyone in the Arlington Heights area. Enjoy a delicious Euro-style food menu that pairs well with their wide selection of wines, mingle with friends, and shop for unique gifts, without the travel.
The Cheeses
Illinois
Caputo Cheese Market
Melrose Park, Illinois
Founded in 1978 in Melrose Park, Illinois, Caputo Cheese Market is a family-owned and operated specialty cheese shop that offers handmade staples as well as high-end cheeses and a host of authentic Italian specialties. Whether you are stocking up for a pairing party or just looking local for your next homemade Italian meal, Caputo Cheese will not disappoint.
Ludwig Farmstead Creamery
Fithian, Illinois
Ludwig Farmstead Creamery is a fifth-generation European-style farmstead that was originally founded in 1866. Ludwig is known for breeding high pedigree dairy cattle that produce quality cheese under the care and attention to detail of the Ludwig family. They sell a wide variety of artisan aged cheeses that inspire great pairing after great pairing.
Beautiful Rind
Chicago, Illinois
For a delightful cheese shop, restaurant, and culinary classroom located in the heart of Chicago, look no further. Beautiful Rind is headed up by two friendly cheesemongers who provide expert service and education to anyone looking to improve their knowledge of specialty cheeses. To take your pairing game to the next level, take one of their virtual or in-person classes for beginners and beyond.
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
Champaign, Illinois
This farm and creamery wasn’t founded just to raise goats— Prairie Fruits was started by two professors of agriculture who use their expertise to produce the highest quality fruits and berries, crops, and goat herds, from which they produce 14,000 pounds of cheese a year. Their specialty cheese is fresh chèvre, which comes in flavors such as cracked pepper and herbs de Provence.
Midwest
Milton Creamery
Milton, Iowa
Having a creamery located close to one of the country’s largest Amish settlements means having access to some of the finest organic cow’s milk in the midwest. Milton Creamery uses this quality source to carefully craft their fine aged cheeses like the Prairie Breeze Reserve, an intensely flavorful and smoky cheddar. In addition to cheeses, they also stock unique food accompaniments like homemade jellies or Iowan prosciutto.
Edgewood Creamery
Purdy, Missouri
Edgewood Creamery prides themselves in raising some of the finest grass-fed cows in Missouri, and turning that natural goodness into quality cheese. From cloth-bound cheddar to fromage blanc to their famous Ozark Mountain Blue cheese, there is no shortage of great flavors to be had at Edgewood.
Rothenbuhler Cheesemakers
Middlefield, Ohio
This third-generation farm was first founded in 1956 by a Swiss immigrant and certified Master Cheesemaker with a passion for excellence. Using 100% natural ingredients and maintaining a high quality standard for their products means that you will never be disappointed with any of their bountiful Swiss cheese varieties.
Uplands Cheese
Dodgeville, Wisconsin
The makers at Uplands Cheese use their deep reservoir of cheesemaking knowledge, much of it passed down through alpine cheesemakers who have emigrated to the area, to create delicious hard aged cheeses that are produced with the same techniques used in the Alpine regions of France and Switzerland. They breed and grass feed their own cows, and pay close attention to crafting exceptional flavors in every cheese.
The Producers
Lynfred Winery
Roselle, Illinois
Travel out of the big city for day trip or a weekend getaway at Lynfred Winery, where you will not only enjoy a tasting full of rich, locally-made wines, but you can also appreciate the architectural beauty of the property and the scenic seasonal foliage that surrounds it.
Geneva Wine
Geneva, Illinois
Born from the love of wine shared among friends, Geneva Wine strives to give its customers an unforgettable tasting experience full of exceptional wines. With the perfect pairing of homemade comfort and sophisticated flavors, this winery has something for every palette.
Fox Valley Winery
Oswego, Illinois
Fox Valley Winery is a cozy, boutique wine producer located west of Chicago, known for their rustic atmosphere and unique, award-winning wines from red to white to sweet. Bring a group of friends to their tasting room for a relaxing day full of great wine as well as a delightful look at the work of many local artists, from wood carvings to pottery to handmade glass items.
Galena Cellars
Galena, Illinois
This award-winning winery was founded in the 1970’s by the Lawler family and has since expanded to grow 22 different specialty grapes and craft 40 different varieties of wine, producing an impressive 60,000 gallons of wine each year. Spend a weekend in one of their guest houses for a chance to explore the winery as well as historic downtown Galena.
Aquaviva Winery
Maple Park, Illinois
This 85-Acre estate vineyard and full service winery has been gifting Illinois residents with award-winning wines and delicious pairing cuisine since its start decades ago. The winery also boasts eye-catching classical architecture and hand-painted fine art by world renowned artist Andrew Zabela.
Illinois Sparkling Co.
Utica, Illinois
Is there anything better than an excellent sparkling wine? Illinois Sparkling Co. doesn’t think so. They have perfected the art of the bubble with an exceptional line of sparkling wines crafted with patience, expertise, and finesse. Enjoy a trip to their downtown Utica tasting room where you can unwind, shop, and be delighted.