(Above) The east end of a space on the Riverwalk, west of State Street, that City Winery will move into in early June. (Click on image to view larger version.)

27-May-15 – One its first vendors is preparing to move in early next month and set up shop on the Chicago Riverwalk.

City Winery, located west of the Loop on Randolph Street, is expanding to a space on the Riverwalk west of State Street in a stretch called Marina Plaza. The space, with three sets of doors and windows, takes up about half of the block and its 1,750 square feet of interior space under Wacker Drive.

Inside will be a 14-seat private dining room and on the Riverwalk in front will be a 75-seat wine garden.

A spokesperson for City Winery says they are aiming for a June 5 opening date, “but we’re at the mercy of contractors and licensors, so it’s still a moving target.”

The wine list will include a blend called “Riverwalk Red,” made by Chicago winemaker Robert Kowal, which will be available in the summer. City Winery will also serve white wine, rosé, Pinot Noir, champagne, Goose Island beer, and seasonal cocktails. The menu will include sandwiches, soups, salads, wine-infused sorbets, and gelatos.

The décor, says City Winery, “evokes the romance of being in wine country” and will use wood and actual wine barrels. The bars will be made from barrel staves, the narrow strips of wood that form the sides of a barrel.

It will be open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The West Loop location opened in 2012 and includes a winery, restaurant with outdoor patio, concert hall, and private event space. City Winery says it is Chicago’s only fully operational winery.