With so much attention paid to Chicago’s vibrant wine scene, suburban Evanston may not come to mind as a destination for wine lovers. After all, this lakeside community — home to Northwestern University — was the epicenter of the American temperance movement. Rooted firmly in its Methodist origins, Evanston remained a dry community from the 1850s until 1972, four decades past the repeal of Prohibition. Today, Evanston is a notably progressive city that’s “a lot more cosmopolitan and diverse than its size would suggest,” says Ellen King, a longtime local and co-owner of Hewn bakery. The wine scene in Evanston is neither obvious nor trendy. Despite its proximity to both Chicago and the greater North Shore, many of its best destinations remain under the radar, suggests Philippe André, an Evanston native who is the U.S. ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne and director of business development for Folio Fine Wine Partners, the importer. Tap on our bio link to read more. ----- Photo 1: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured at Union Pizzeria (@unionpizza) in Evanston, June 19, 2025. Photo 2: People dine on the patio at Union Pizzeria. Photo 3: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured. ? Anna Lee Iijima / for the Chicago Tribune ?️ Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
June 27, 2025
With so much attention paid to Chicago’s vibrant wine scene, suburban Evanston may not come to mind as a destination for wine lovers.
After all, this lakeside community — home to Northwestern University — was the epicenter of the American temperance movement. Rooted firmly in its Methodist origins, Evanston remained a dry community from the 1850s until 1972, four decades past the repeal of Prohibition.
Today, Evanston is a notably progressive city that’s “a lot more cosmopolitan and diverse than its size would suggest,” says Ellen King, a longtime local and co-owner of Hewn bakery.
The wine scene in Evanston is neither obvious nor trendy. Despite its proximity to both Chicago and the greater North Shore, many of its best destinations remain under the radar, suggests Philippe André, an Evanston native who is the U.S. ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne and director of business development for Folio Fine Wine Partners, the importer.
Tap on our bio link to read more.
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Photo 1: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured at Union Pizzeria (@unionpizza) in Evanston, June 19, 2025.
Photo 2: People dine on the patio at Union Pizzeria.
Photo 3: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured.
? Anna Lee Iijima / for the Chicago Tribune
?️ Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
After all, this lakeside community — home to Northwestern University — was the epicenter of the American temperance movement. Rooted firmly in its Methodist origins, Evanston remained a dry community from the 1850s until 1972, four decades past the repeal of Prohibition.
Today, Evanston is a notably progressive city that’s “a lot more cosmopolitan and diverse than its size would suggest,” says Ellen King, a longtime local and co-owner of Hewn bakery.
The wine scene in Evanston is neither obvious nor trendy. Despite its proximity to both Chicago and the greater North Shore, many of its best destinations remain under the radar, suggests Philippe André, an Evanston native who is the U.S. ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne and director of business development for Folio Fine Wine Partners, the importer.
Tap on our bio link to read more.
-----
Photo 1: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured at Union Pizzeria (@unionpizza) in Evanston, June 19, 2025.
Photo 2: People dine on the patio at Union Pizzeria.
Photo 3: The Central Coast blend 40 Days from Union Sacré Wines is poured.
? Anna Lee Iijima / for the Chicago Tribune
?️ Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune
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