Which side are you on? In Bordeaux, France, that question could mean you generally prefer wines that showcase more of the left bank/Garonne river (Cabernet Sauvignon) or the right bank/Dordogne river (Merlot.) When it comes to South American wines though, “which side are you on?” is more of a continental conundrum. It can refer to [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Join us at Just Grapes this Thursday (June 24) for our Grateful Palate Tasting with Chris Ringland of R Wines. For only $25, you’ll get to meet and taste with Chris, who will explain the exciting winemaking ideas that have made him one of the most respected names in the industry. Chris is known in [...]

How’s your palate when it comes to GSMs? Don’t know what a GSM is? Here at Just Grapes, we can help! On June 17, we’re hosting a Wines of Australia class, where you’ll taste the distinctive Australian blend of Grenache, Shriaz, and Mourvèdre (GSM), plus amazing Australian Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Cabernets, and much more (including [...]

Wild weather here in Chicago: rain, tornadoes (in the good ol’ burbs), more rain. It makes one want to bundle up with a good book and some popcorn. A good wine to pair with a predictably tempestuous night? Tempranillo, of course (word play!). Here at Just Grapes, we’re spending our Wednesday conducting a special seminar [...]

By Maggie Smith This is the second year that Just Grapes has operated the “Make your own Barrel” program. What we do, as a group, is tour the entire wine making process, from grape to bottle. Whether you are the total wine geek that wants his or her wine customized to suit their palate, or [...]

Robert Houde of Garnacha Imports presents a seminar on the Wines of Spain Seminar at Just Grapes in Chicago.

Jennifer Brush of Vosges Haut Chocolat & Don Sritong of Just Grapes discuss the basics of pairing chocolate & wine.

Jen Brush of Vosges Haut Chocolat and Don Sritong of Just Grapes discuss paring the Viola Truffle and Angeline Pinot Noir.