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Get your wine on in Wicker Park.

Wednesday Aug 11, 2004.     By Patrick Sisson

Bars + Clubs Feed

Vintage Wine Bar

Hours: 4:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Sunday–Friday; 3 p.m.–3 a.m. Saturday

Age: 21+

Cover: None

Dress: The wine may be aged, but your clothes shouldn’t be. Though not exactly aiming for a trendy and overdone vibe, this bar is upscale compared to many other Division Street dives and caters to the older neighborhood crowd.

Best way to get there: Those in search of vino have plenty of options, since this bar is near a crowded crossroad. The Blue Line stops at Division and Damen are both a short walk away (about four blocks), and buses on Damen and Division make regular stops.

Vibe: Vintage seeks to inspire wine appreciation, not wine snobbery, and the attitude of its customers is telling. Though everyone was sipping like a sommelier, nobody was swishing glasses or sniffing wine with his nose in the air. This is a calm spot without pretension, featuring a plethora of candles, mood lighting and an extensive wine list that’s as playful as it is helpful.

Quick tour: Though it doesn’t have a sign hanging out front yet, Vintage stands out, mixing a comfortable layout with modern design. Just inside the entryway of this shoebox-shaped room, a large red laminate fireplace stands across from of a row of cozy, low-slung black tables, accented with metal light fixtures. Further back on the right, a dark wood bar wraps itself around what looks like a wine hearth, an alcove of racks and coolers surrounded by bricks. Private booths are tucked in the back, and a series of abstract collages painted by Pilsen artist Michael Merck line the walls.

Crowd: The crowd at Vintage reflects the changing demographics around Wicker Park; patrons have lived in the neighborhood for years and tastes have matured. Expect a slightly older and hipper crowd.

Night to go: Vintage can get slammed on weekends, but it still offers a relaxing alternative to slamming beers. Early weekday evenings are also a great time to enjoy a happy hour glass or two. The owners have plans to hold wine tastings in the future, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Claim to fame: The only bar that serves both Dom Perrignon and Boone’s Farm with pride.

You’ll feel like you’re in: Someone’s sleek private wine cellar.

Music genre: The stereo sets a relaxed tone inside, rotating between Spanish guitar, easygoing house, Sinatra and anything else smooth and sophisticated.

On the shelves: Vintage prides itself on a varied wine list that offers up exciting flavors at reasonable prices (a decent glass will probably cost about $7-$8) without getting stuffy. The wine list generally succeeds, with an eclectic, worldly selection of reds, whites and champagne that includes wines with funky names like Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush. The owners also make sure to rotate regularly; right now, popular summer whites include the Caymus Conundrum and Luna Vinyards Pinot Gris. If you’re sick of wine, premium liquors (no well drinks here) and nine different beers are also available. 

Beyond the barstool: For dinner or simply something to snack on, Chef Rachid El Moussaouiti has created a gourmet menu of small plates to complement the wine list, ranging from calamari to a $12 cheese plate.