Windy City Wine+ Meetup

**The 2 pm tour is now sold out, but I do have 1 ticket from a member unable to attend, so you can purchase her ticket. Message me at 312.835.4259 or giovinaro@hotmail.com if you need a ticket. Otherwise, there is another tour at 11 am if you wish to do the earlier tour!**

Bohemian National Cemetery tours are back! We participated in these tours in 2018 and 2019, and they offer fantastic opportunities to explore a historic, expansive cemetery on the far north side. This event is organized by the Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery, and there are many interesting historical features to see. If you couldn't attend last year, be sure to join us for this event! The group will be going on the 2 PM tour, but if you cannot make that time, there is also an 11 AM tour available for those who prefer to visit earlier.

The "Tours of the Tombstones" are now conducted by two exceptional guides who trained under the renowned Czech historian Albert Walavich, who has since retired. The cemetery spans over 120 acres, so each tour will be unique. The walking tours usually last about 2 hours and cover a distance of 1 to 2 miles on surfaces such as asphalt, grass, and gravel. Restrooms for both men and women are available in the gatehouse. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for spring weather!

Photography is allowed. The tour will be followed by refreshments in the historic 1893 gatehouse. After the guided tour, ALL are welcome to wander around the rest of this large and lovely cemetery.

Ticketed event and registration required! $10 for members and $20 for non-members. PICK THE 2 PM TOUR TIME SLOT! Click here https://friends-of-bohemian-national-cemetery.square.site/shop/events/5 or go here: https://friendsofbnc.org/upcoming.htm (click on link to get tickets)

Remember, RSVPing here on Meetup does not guarantee you a spot; you must also buy a ticket with Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery
at the link above to get a spot on the tour!

We might grab a bite nearby after the tour if time allows! We can hit Sheeba Mandi House 3456 W Foster Ave www.sheebamandihousemenu.com
Banpojung Korean Traditional 3450 W Foster Ave https://banpojung.com/

All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR DINNER, AS SOME VENUES don't accept separate checks!

Everyone will meet at the main entrance/gatehouse at 5255 N. Pulaski.

They do allow people to purchase the day of the event if not sold out, but at the door, they only accept cash or a check. Best to purchase an online ticket ahead for the safest & quickest option
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063520151467
https://www.friendsofbnc.org/upcoming.htm

Bohemian National Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features historic buildings, magnificent mausoleums and monuments, statuary by renowned artists, and an astonishing variety of gravestone artistry.

Some highlights we will see are the following:

1. Tomb of Anton Cermak in Section 21 - American politician who served as the 34th mayor of Chicago, Illinois April 7, 1931
2. Eastland Disaster of 1915. in Section 16 - Many of the Eastland Disaster victims were of Czech and Slovak descent, and the Bohemian National Cemetery became the final resting place for approximately 150 victims.
3. "Beyond the Vines," offers Cubs fans the next best thing to a final resting place under Wrigley's center field bleachers. A replica of a vine covered wall from Wrigley Field (containing cremation niches) Covered in ivy, with a "scoreboard" perpetually set to 1:20 p.m.
4. The Pilgrim A Solid bronze by Albin Polasek is one of the highlights of Bohemian National Cemetery. Larger than life, "The Pilgrim" is caught mid-stride, headed toward the Stejskal Mausoleum.

Bohemian National Cemetery was founded in 1877 by eight Bohemian benevolent societies “to provide a suitable burial site for persons of Bohemian birth or extraction.” Ten years later, the cemetery was opened to all nationalities on a nonsectarian basis. John V. Benes laid out the first burial sections in the initial 40 acres using a plan similar to Chicago's street grid. An expansion to the east and south, with graceful curving sections, was mapped in 1902 by August Petrtyl. In 1906 acclaimed landscape architect Jens Jensen designed the 60 acres to the north. Bohemian National Cemetery now encompasses about 124 acres.

The entrance has an 1893 Gothic Revival gatehouse, with an adjoining Arts and Crafts style waiting room added in 1907. The Renaissance Revival crematorium/columbarium, with decoration by artist John A. Mallin, was dedicated in 1919. A Classical Revival office building was built in 1926. The cemetery features memorials to veterans of the Civil War, Spanish American War, and World Wars I and II. Bohemian National Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
https://bnca1877.org/

Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2004. Their mission is to promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty and preserve the artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. They raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the Cemetery. They also hold regular meetings with educational programs, conduct walking tours of the Cemetery, and publish a quarterly newsletter, Heritage Happenings. The money paid for the tour goes towards the upkeep of the cemetery. https://www.friendsofbnc.org/index.htm

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

The cemetery has a parking lot, and street parking is available.

PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!

Each wine will be paired with small bites and homemade chocolates.
NOTE: TICKETS ARE $65 + fees! MUST PAY IN ADVANCE VIA THE EVENTBRITE LINK BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!!! TIX WILL SELL OUT SO DON'T WAIT!! THEY ARE DOING a Female Winemaker Class! Click to register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/female-wine-maker-tasting-class-tickets-1318135261049?aff=erelexpmlt

NOTE THAT THIS LINK INCLUDES THE $65 WINE CLASSICS TASTING + FOOD -FEE INCLUDES TAXES & SERVICE CHARGES

Join us at Buzzed By ZEA - Salon & Bar for a Female Winemaker Class. Come celebrate the power of women at our next wine event. Sommelier and Chocolatier, Michael Roberts will be leading this class featuring 4 trailblazing wines produced by female winemakers along with food and chocolate pairings. Also, savor new chocolates.

We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you! Cheers to love, laughter, and delightful discoveries!

All wine and chocolates are available for purchase after the class at discounted prices.

Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar does wine classes with 4 wine tastings with food pairings! We have done these at other locations with Michael & they were fabulous. Good food spread + great wine! Well worth the cost! Everyone had a great time~ Michael the Sommelier is an expert in his field and presents a very approachable & fun class. No wine snobs here!

Itinerary:
6:30-8:00 PM guests enjoy a structured class from in-house Sommelier Michael Roberts-class covers Female Winemaker Class
8:00 pm - ??- Social hour. After the tastings, you are invited mix/mingle.

Join our in-house sommelier and chocolatier. Learn Wine Classics with our Sommelier and Chocolatier! Ticket price includes tastings of 4 unique wines, small bites, and delicious chocolates while Michael Roberts shares his knowledge and passion for wine.

Michael Roberts sommelier and a chocolatier. I have known him for a couple of years, and he is wealth of knowledge of ALL things food, wine & chocolate is phenomenal!
https://www.divinedales.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/441725983168765

Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar is a neighborhood salon specializing in great Haircuts, Colors, and Crafted Cocktails. Unlike many Chicago speakeasies, they don’t go to any great lengths to hide our dual identity. They’re just a hair salon that happens to have a beautiful craft cocktail bar.

Half hair salon, half craft cocktail bar, Buzzed by Zea is a place to cut loose with a drink, whether or not you have a hair appointment. The North Halsted salon re-concepted when businesses shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic, acquiring a liquor license and building out a bar. During the day, you can sip a Manhattan while you’re waiting for your appointment. at night, the curtains are drawn, the lights go down and the music is turned up, as the space transforms into a more traditional cocktail lounge—one that just happens to have some salon chairs.

https://www.facebook.com/buzzedbyzea
https://zeasalon.com/buzzed-by-zea/

If you are taking public transportation, please check their website for directions or use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you drive, there is meter parking on Halsted plus limited free parking in side streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Parking can difficult in this area so I suggest Spot Hero or Parking Whiz for the best & safest options

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:

1. 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
2. cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
3. not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
4. continual no shows will result in removal from the group!

https://www.lincolnsquare.org/spring-wine-stroll

*This is a rain or shine event. All ticket-holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs will be checked at check-in, so each ticketholder must be present in person to check-in.

**All tastings take place within the businesses listed on each ticketed route below. Wine pours are offered in 2 ounce tasting portions at each business. Up to 36 different wines will be available to taste along each route. Businesses listed on each route are subject to change.

New this year, The Lincoln Square routes get a refresh with an air of mystery. Purchase tickets for route A, B, C or D and find out which businesses are on your route the night of the event at your designated check-in location. WE WILL NOT KNOW THE ROUTES EXACT BUISNESSES WE WILL HIT UNTIL THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! OUR GROUP WILL DO ROUTE D!

We check-in first to receive our wine glass and tasting guide, which will serve as our ticket to the event. We then go from business to business to taste wine and sample food bites as many offer treats! ROUTE D - MEET AT ESQUINA on Western!

These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus, weather should be lovely for a late spring evening stroll!

Dress for walking in and out of stores but wear comfortable shoes as will be walking around. Walk does not end where we start so will have to walk back to your car if you drive but should be a short walk!

#### PICK ROUTE LETTER D FOR OUR WALK!

We will not know exactly which businesses we will visit but here is a list of ALL the businesses that will participate in the wine stroll event! We will get to go to 12 of these locations and taste up to 36 glasses of wine!

A Pretty Flower
Augusta Food and Wine
Au Levain Chicago
Bistro Campagne
Chicago Counseling Collective PC
The Chopping Block
Cobblestone Chicago
Dimo's
ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE
Esquina
Fleet Feet Chicago
Gearhead Outfitters
Genevieve
Jerry's
L&M Fine Foods
Lincoln Square Dental Spa
Lyons Family Eye Care
Midwest Nice
My Corner Office
Neighborly
Nomadic Ant
Planet Access
Raw Edge - Modern Artisan Boutique
Savory Spice
Sojourn Cocktail Lounge
Stanley Brown Jewelist
StretchLab Lincoln Square
Timeless Toys

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you drive, there is limited parking since in Lincoln Square. Some metered parking & nearby lots. Best to use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for you safest bet and cheapest option if unsure!

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:

1. 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
2. cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
3. not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
4. continual no shows will result in removal from the group!

BUY EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AS THE PRICE GOES UP & CAN SELL OUT! WE WILL DO THE BUENA PARK ROUTE!
$35 Early Bird tickets - on sale Mar. 1 thru Apr. 3
$40 Standard tickets - on sale Apr. 4 thru May 3 (based on availability)
$50 Door (based on availability)
TICKETS HERE: https://partners.exploreuptown.org/events/details/toast-of-uptown-2025-3942 -OR- https://uptownchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/3942 - just click not a member to register for the event & PICK THE BUENA PARK ROUTE!

We need check-in first! All attendees will receive both a wristband and wine tasting glass —simply present these at each stop along your chosen route for delicious wine samples. This wine walk will take you on a tour through the many businesses that call Uptown home. Wine selections have been generously curated by North Buena Deli & Wine and Rayan's Fine Liquors and Spirits. Small bites from local eateries will be provided at some stops along the route as well.

These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus weather should be lovely for a spring afternoon stroll!

#### 2025 participating businesses!

BUENA PARK ROUTE:
4108 N Sheridan Rd (check in spot)

1. First Dental Center 4108 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 (check-in)
2. Jenny Tola State Farm 4083 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
3. GNS Foods 4092 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
4. Lakeside Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4101 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
5. All Strength Training 4117 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
6. Klein's Bakery 4155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
7. North Buena Deli & Wine 4200 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
8. The Bar on Buena 910 W Buena Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
9. Jake's Pup in the Ruf 4401 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640
10. Epic Wine & Spirits 4411-13 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
11. The Reservoir 844 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

WINE WALK DOES NOT END WHERE WE START. WE END ABOUT 4-5 BLOCKS FROM THE BEGINNING, SO KEEP THAT IN MIND IF YOU DRIVE AS YOU WILL NEED TO WALK BACK TO YOUR CAR!

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you drive, there is metered parking on Broadway & Sheridan. Some nearby lots. Limited free side street parking so watch out for permit only or tow zones!

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:

1. 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
2. cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
3. not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
4. continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!