The top places to enjoy a glass of wine in Champaign-Urbana
Unique places in and around Champaign-Urbana where you can drink wine, mingle, and even do a tasting
Maybe you’re new to the wine scene, maybe you just moved to town and are a connoisseur, maybe you’ve been drinking wine for a while and just want to change things up a bit. Regardless of where you fall on the wine drinking spectrum here you’ll find our top picks for where to get a glass of wine in Champaign-Urbana (and beyond).
Disclaimer: This list is in no way a complete list of all the places around town to get a glass of wine — but it reflects many of our favorites. And we’re not just including places with the “best” wine lists, but unique places where you can drink wine, mingle, and even do a tasting. Of course during the pandemic, tastings became less common – but we hope for their return.
Sun Singer Wine and Spirits, Champaign: One of our favorite places to buy wine, or lunch with a friend. Wine on the patio is a must. It’s easy to do your own tasting, as Sun Singer offers three different sizes of wine by the glass. Or attend an official weekend wine tasting, which often feature the staff highlighting “a different grape, region or theme to help everyone better understand the mysteries of wine.”
![Sun Singer patio.](https://www.chambanamoms.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://www.chambanamoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sunsingerwinechambanamoms-768x1024.jpg&nocache=1)
Bread Company, Urbana: While there is not a super vast list of wine choices at Bread Company, they are not the usual suspects — and tend to be international in nature. Owned by Europeans, it’s perfectly reasonable to feel transported to another continent when you come to this campus gem. And what goes better with wine than fondue?
Timpone’s, Urbana: Wine is a big part of the culture at Timpone’s, which boasts of having “over 400 selections of unique and hard to find bottles” and “central Illinois’ finest wine cellars.” But don’t worry, there’s plenty of deliciousness to be had by the glass, too. Environment is old school elegant.
Lladro Enoteca, downtown Champaign: If you’ve been in this town for a while, you’ll remember Bacaro, a divine restaurant with divine wines. Lladro Enoteco is a throwback to that era; find high quality wine served in a location that offers a cozy elegant feel in the heart of downtown Champaign. The food menu is solely meant to complement the wine. Retail bottles are also for sale; follow on Instagram for information about wine tastings.
Hamilton Walker’s, downtown Champaign: The bar at Hamilton Walker’s is one of our favorites in town. We love the windows – great for people-watching in the hustle and bustle of downtown – and the opulent feel. If you want to elevate your fancy, head over there. And I’ve had some delicious pours there. If only I could remember what they were – oh well.
Analog Wine Library, downtown Urbana: A best-kept secret in downtown Urbana, Analog is a big supporter of the local arts scene and isn’t afraid to try new ways to engage its community. Recent events have included art shows, popup dinners, and wine tastings. Outdoor patio available, but there’s also a cozy couch for seating in the “library.” Open limited hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Houlihan’s, Champaign: The bar at Houlihan’s is completely underrated. There, I said it. Although it’s not the largest list in town, it covers bases well and there’s something for everyone. We’ve proclaimed our love for the Houlihan’s patio before, and with some of our favorite summer wines — Sauvignon Blanc and Rose. Free live music and drink specials on Thursday evenings in the summer outside.
Farmhouse Bar, Harvest Market, Champaign: It may feel seem weird to some to be drinking wine in a grocery store. Obviously we have no qualms about where and when we imbibe. We love the unique but relaxed vibe at the Harvest Market mezzanine bar upstairs, and you cannot beat the prices. Want snacks? Just go downstairs and get some cheese, bread, and more.
Art Mart, Champaign: Get yourself wine educated at Art Mart, where you can find wine tastings often (and at very reasonable costs). This is a win-win for anyone wanting to get out, have fun and explore new tastes. All the while you will be helping a great cause! You can subscribe to Todd Fuscos’ (Art Mart Wine Buyer) weekly newsletter to find out the latest wine news at Art Mart. No tasting? No worries. You can also just buy a glass of wine at Art Mart – or a bottle – and cork it right then and there.
Prairie City Wine Room, Paxton: This gem located at a historic, charming building in Paxton’s central business district, the Prairie City Wine Room is a great place to unwind for an evening with friends. Speaking of friends, PCWR has some of the friendliest staff around. And did we mention that they have wine slushies? Limited snacks available (think cheese and crackers); when we were there, someone brought in pizza from a local restaurant, but always ask first. They also host comedians and live music, periodically. (And yes, they serve other drinks besides wine. FYI)
![Prairie City Wine Room slushie, Paxton](https://www.chambanamoms.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://www.chambanamoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/441485952_338864812557122_539791613631391094_n-768x1024.jpg&nocache=1)
Vineyards near Champaign-Urbana:
Alto Vineyards, Champaign: Did you know there is a vineyard in Champaign? Alto Vineyards offers non-traditional ambiance in that it is located on the outskirts of town in a more rural setting. There are musicians scheduled almost every weekend in the summer, and if yoga is your thing then you can meet a friend for a “Wine and Yoga” class. Check out its calendar of events for wine tastings and other options.
Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Fairmount: Just a short drive from Champaign-Urbana, Sleepy Creek is the dreamy rural vineyard where you can take your girlfriends, date, or out-of-town guests for a bucolic wine experience outside of the “hustle and bustle” of C-U. The grounds of the winery are lovely, the tasting room has a laid-back vibe that’s welcoming to both newbies and long-time wine enthusiasts. From date night to bachelorette party, from mom’s weekend to book club: You can’t go wrong with a trip to Sleepy Creek in rural Vermilion County. #Drinklocal
Where do you go to grab a glass of wine with your friends?