August: The blazin’ hot Chicago and set in so its time for some crisp refreshing whites and robust BBQ reds!

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 [...]

A few days ago, we highlighted some of our favorite reds to pair with heartier grilled meats, fish, and fruit. But if you’re flaming lighter fare, like shrimp, chicken, whitefish, or vegetables, they’ll scream for a chilled white to balance, not bulldoze the flavor. Here at Just Grapes, we think these pairings can help you [...]

By Maggie Smith Are you one of those people that love to drink wine but steer clear from French wine because you just don’t know what type of wine is in that bottle? There’s usually indecipherable French writing, probably a picture of a chateau-looking house, and what seems to be a name of a place [...]

It isn’t love for warmer weather that keeps me firmly rooted in my craving for all things Chardonnay. And Chardonnay isn’t strictly a warm-weather white. Bigger-bodied, creamier-textured Chardonnay can be (and, in wine-savvy establishments, often are) served slightly warmer than your Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs.

Yesterday, we began receiving stock for our Spring Blowout Sale: 50% on 50 Wines. As we opened box after box of incredible wine after incredible wine, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Three different 1.5 liter-bottles of Herman Donnhoff Riesling , each rated between 93 and 97 points by Robert Parker, marked down from $90, $79, [...]

On Thursday, I attended the first of a 4-part event series called “Celebration of Good Eating” at Kendall College. (The next event will take place in May.) The series highlights the themes and recipes of the Chicago Tribune’s Good Eating section and wine and food writer Bill Daley selects wines to pair with the evening’s menu. Thursday’s event focused on “Comfort Cooking & Wines to Warm Your Home.”

As a recent Chicago transplant and non-stop lover of wine and food, I was ecstatic to discover the large number of great BYOB restaurants scattered around this city. I lived in New York City for several years before relocating to the Midwest and, while the restaurant scene in Manhattan is undeniably a food lover’s dream, [...]

You’ve heard it before, probably from your mother: You won’t know whether you like something until you try it. It’s the same for Brussels sprouts and wine, though I much prefer wine. Free wine tastings are an excellent opportunity to try something new. You can sample something totally different without pouring money down the drain–literally–if [...]

A review on the 2006 Rex Hill Chardonnay, Oregon by Corporate Sommelier of Just Grapes, Don Sritong during their Global Grape Series Series, Session #6, Chardonnay.