Many people will use the upcoming Labor Day weekend to reflect on their own employment—bosses, co-workers, long-hours, deadlines, salaries, stress, and more. Others will simply be thankful to have a job. Others will only remember that they have three days off, and shouldn’t wear white anymore. Whatever the situation, here at Just Grapes we’re working [...]

Part of what makes Just Grapes more than “the place with the Enomatic” (that’s the tasting machine on the left in the photo) is our friendly, wine-obsessed staff. We’re not clock punchers half asleep thinking about being somewhere else—we’re right where we want to be. Surrounded by beautiful bottles and varietals from dozens of countries, [...]

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 [...]

Here in Chicago, we’re entering the second weekend of filming for Transformers 3 in and around the Loop. It’s an aptly named movie, because it’s transforming the way people go about their day—shutting down some of the busiest streets and intersections of the city, testing the patience of locals, and mesmerizing summer tourists. Transformers are, [...]

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 [...]

Ginger, Mary Ann, the Professor, Gilligan—they could only dream of cruising Lake Michigan and the Chicago River with Don Sritong and the Just Grapes crew, supplied with a storehouse of handpicked summer wines to sip and explore. It’s a dream you can easily experience though! Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 26, for the Just Grapes [...]

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 [...]

You get what you give—as the saying goes—and on Father’s Day, that often means you get a half smile and a “do they really love me?” sigh when you give the same cliché gifts. Why not aim for a full smile and even some genuine “they actually thought about me!” appreciation instead? We have some [...]