OUR PHILOSOPHY
MINIMAL INTERVENTION ("NATURAL WINES")
Since opening in 1994 we have always sought out wines made by small, family-owned producers who make great wine and who deeply care for the environment. We form bonds with those producers and their purveyors developing great rapport with our many likeminded colleagues. We believe that the significance of wine being ‘natural’ is, when made with little to no manipulation (additives or chemicals), wine - way more than any other type of drink - can truly speak about a particular place. Sometimes, it can even scream of its origin (Riesling in the Mosel Valley comes to mind, as do many others...). And ONLY those wines made with this philosophy can speak that language and inspire your tastebuds and soul.
WE VISIT WINE REGIONS AROUND THE GLOBE
Over the years, our incredible team of wine savvy, friendly staff has traveled to scores of wine regions around the world (France, Italy, Greece, Spain, USA, Austria, Germany, Argentina, Chile, Slovenia, and more) to get a first-hand look at the history and culture of these countries' wine regions. This is crucial to truly understanding and appreciating the uniqueness of any wine region. Just as important, these experiences are as fun as they are educational, and they enable us to bring back stories, recipes, and passion to share with our friends and customers.
ABOUT US
We love having Webster’s as a vital part of wine in Chicago and as we approach 30 years of business we look forward to continuing with the tradition of being that consistently great little neighborhood wine bar for all of our great regular customers while welcoming visitors looking for that special Chicago epicurean experience. Steeped in old world traditions, we strive to offer exceptional food options that are well thought out to pair with our ever evolving wine list.
OUR HISTORY
PART ONE
Webster's Wine bar was founded in 1994 by Janan Asfour and Tom MacDonald who took a much-needed break from litigation consulting by embarking on a four month back-packing tour through Europe. While there, they fell in love with the tiny wine bars clustered around the cathedral in Seville, Spain. Returning to Chicago, they quit their jobs, borrowed money from friends and family, and opened Webster's Wine Bar, at the time, Chicago's only wine bar.
PART TWO
The original location at 1480 W. Webster Ave. still stands along the north branch of the Chicago River, however, in the summer of 2014 the wine bar it self moved to 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave. right in the heart of Logan Square. Tom and Janan founded Telegraph in 2011 and Webster's took over the Telegraph space bringing a beloved Chicago wine bar from it's industrial district roots to a welcoming and bustling neighborhood becoming yet another great option for drinking and dining in Logan Square.
PART THREE
Webster's Alumni and Co-founder of Rootstock Wine and Beer Bar, Tonya Pyatt and her husband Nik Wells have partnered with Asfour and MacDonald to carry on the heritage of Webster's Wine Bar. Through pivot and perseverance amidst a pandemic this team was formed to add a brightness to the Webster's Space. With a little renovation and additions of some of the original Webster's staff and other amazing talent from Chicago hospitality, we are now back at it. Come visit us :)