Chile, like its neighbor over the Andes, Argentina, has long been a discount darling of the wine world, especially in the U.S. market. Funny thing though: The winemaking has generally improved to world-class quality over the past few decades, but the prices have stayed low. That means you can enjoy a top bottle from one [...]

Fall is, in many minds, the time when harvest beings and the year’s bounty in crops is collected. It’s essentially the end of the growing season here in the Northern Hemisphere, but when it comes to wine, harvest can technically happen at any time during the year, depending on where the grapes are being grown—the [...]

That’s a pretty bold statement in the world of wine, and especially within legendary Montalcino—a hilltown in Tuscany blessed with some of the finest vineyards in the world. It’s an area famous for producing Brunello, which is a clone of the Sangiovese grape, and thrives in Montalcino’s climate. To say one winemaker is the best [...]

The Chicago Air & Water Show returns to Lake Michigan this weekend, with more than two-million people expected to pack the lakefront on Saturday and Sunday. Even though the City of Chicago prohibits alcohol at the event, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a rooftop downtown, or simply stay home and throw your own Air & [...]

There is no doubt that the 2004 film Sideways has been a boon to Pinot Noir, educating masses of casual wine drinkers about the delicate grape through its equally delicate protagonist, Miles. What that audience might not know though, is that Pinot Noir is truly global—grown all over the world in microclimates perfect for the [...]

Phileas Fogg may have traveled around the world in 80 days, and Prince may have written a song about going around the world in a single day, but we’ve got them both beat by taking your palate around the planet in just two hours, during our next First Wednesday Tasting here at Just Grapes. Join [...]

As far as summer heat goes, July 2010 in Chicago is nothing like 1995—a string of miserable 100+ degree days. However, our current 90-degree days are still scorching, and we often beat the heat by finding whatever air-conditioned bliss is available. In Northern Italy however, when the temperatures soar, many people head to the towering [...]

Floyd the Barber, Count Floyd, Pink Floyd, Cliff Floyd… there are a lot of “Floyds” out there, but only one that specializes in locally brewed craft beer. Three Floyds Brewing Company in Munster, Indiana, is known for its way out-of-the-ordinary beers (with eye-popping bottles to match), and we’re giving you a chance to taste and [...]

Who says wine and BBQ don’t go together? Actually, nobody does… and we’re going to prove that consensus correct with our First Wednesday Tasting/6th Annual Grill Out at Just Grapes!  Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7th, and discover that the 4th of July cookouts you just finished were merely [...]

The 4th of July fireworks have already started at Just Grapes! Well… the kind of fireworks that happen when you save money and taste incredible American wines at the same time. The best part is, you don’t need a lawn chair to stake out a prime spot for your palate here. First, we’ve got a [...]