Fine Wine Brokers

“Girls, I have something I’ve been saving for you!” Gary Rohr exclaims as the girlfriend and I step into Fine Wine Brokers, the shop he manages in Lincoln Square. He disappears into the back and returns a minute later with a near-empty bottle of Marie-Framboise, a limited-production cognac-framboise blend. Pouring the last drops into a glass, he says, “You’ll have to share.” We end up buying a bottle—as well as several other of his selections.

This always happens. We run in to pick up something for dinner and 45 minutes later we’re hauling a mixed half case—at least—back to the car. Small productions and limited distribution are the raisons d’etre of Fine Wine Brokers and its sister store, the Artisan Cellar, in the Merchandise Mart. You won’t find everyday budget buys like La Vieille Ferme or Parallel 45 here, but there are plenty of options for $15 or less—we practically live off of the Domaine du Tariquet Ugni-blanc Colombard that Rohr keeps by the counter. At $7.75 a bottle, we can afford to. 4621 N. Lincoln, 773-989-8166, fwbchicago.com. —Kathie Bergquist

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