After experimental pairings of ink with sidewalk chalk were found to be inedible, scientists decided to let everyone content themselves with mere wine and cheese. Savor the limits of our perception with today's Groupon: for $40, you get a wine and cheese tasting for two and one take-home bottle of wine at The Gourmet Grape (a $90 value).
Spend an evening awakening once-dormant taste buds with a two-person wine and cheese tasting (a $35 value per person). Eight wines and eight cheeses play a game of dueling octets in their quest for dominion over each visitor's colorful flavor palate, with selections varying by day. Sampling duos mingle among one another as they nosh, imbibe, and playfully levitate with an insightful education provided throughout by The Gourmet Grape's customer-oriented staff of bon vivants. Postsipping epicureans tote home a bottle (a $20 value) selected by the owners from the evening's offerings.
Sessions are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and occasionally Saturdays, and explore The Gourmet Grape's thoughtfully culled offerings from both New World and Old World grapes, as well as subterranean magma-berries. Availability is limited, so call ahead to reserve a spot.
The Twisted Vine
The Gourmet Grape, Inc. was opened as a wine and gift retail store in May 2003. After ten years as a retailer, it was transformed into a lounge style bar specializing in wine and whiskey. Completing the transformation during their ninth year, the business re-opened on their ten year anniversary as The Twisted Vine Chicago. During weekly two-hour tastings, they guide customers on a culinary tour across the globe, with stops including the United States, Chile, and New Zealand. Racks of fine international wines stock the shelves, as well as gourmet olive oils, vinegars, chocolates, tea, glassware, and decorative tableside accents. Although specializing in great wines and fantastic whiskey and scotch, a full bar is open to serve all your needs, and a few plates are available to order during your visit.