It’s no secret that the Wrigley Mansion hides one of the world’s finest wine selections in its walls, with over 96,000 bottles of wine poured a year, but the historic one-time home of one of gum’s biggest names is about to up its game even further with the launch of Jamie’s Wine Bar.
The small, intimate addition to Wrigley’s sprawling grounds is set to open this November, granting Wrigley Mansion members and guests access to up to 25 premium by-the-glass wine offerings in addition to the 850 fine wines already available by the bottle at Geordie’s Steak. A tribute to Jamie Hormel, who purchased and preserved the mansion in 1992 alongside late husband, Geordie, Jamie’s Wine Bar came about when Jamie and her nephew, Michael, developed an interest in fine wine and wanted to create a special place for guests to enjoy rare and eclectic wine offerings not found anywhere else on property. The idea behind the name of the new bar concept came from the youngest Hormel daughter, Gillian, who wanted to create a space where Jamie and Geordie (the namesake of Geordie’s Steak) could live on indefinitely together under the same roof.
“It’s been a true labor of love,” said Wrigley Mansion Owner Jamie Hormel. “What we’ve created in the end is something I am very proud of – and something that appeals to our guests who come here to experience something extraordinary.”
Prior to launching Jamie’s Wine Bar, Jamie and Michael traveled internationally, sampling their way through endless wine varieties and enhancing their knowledge of some of the world’s best wine-producing regions, among them Italy, France and Napa/Sonoma, California. They also honed their craft at home, with Michael making a career out of wine sales and securing both a Level I Sommelier certificate and an even more prestigious Certified Specialist of Wine certificate along the way.
The Wine Lineup
In addition to expansive by-the-glass and by-the-bottle offerings, Jamie’s Wine Bar will feature an innovative, pressurized argon wine preservation system that converts eight different wines typically only available by the bottle into by-the-glass offerings. These rare, eclectic gems are not available anywhere else inside Wrigley Mansion and serve as yet another example of the many benefits of a Wrigley Mansion membership, although you do not need one to access Jamie’s Wine Bar. Wine members will also gain access to special wine bar programming and tasting events highlighting wine varieties from different regions and timelines.
The Vibe
Elegant and intimate, the wine bar boasts a white marble bar top, a striking back bar and glittering chandeliers. The building’s original, rich mahogany walls remain intact, but the rest of the lounge has been given a chic, blue-and-white facelift, from the white leather adorning the furniture to the subtle hints of blue flanking the walls. Low lights and soft music round out the experience, making Wrigley’s newest destination-within-a-destination perfect for a business happy hour, a date night or a drink and some conversation before dinner at Geordie’s Steak.
Michael and Jamie will also be on the scene frequently at Jamie’s Wine Bar, with Michael’s knowledge and passion for the product serving as an additional perk for visitors. Known to remember guests not only by name, but by preferred drink, Michael is always willing to discuss flavor profiles, offer pairing suggestions and otherwise answer questions and make recommendations about the wine bar’s expansive offerings.
The Grand Opening
Guests can take in all that Jamie’s Wine Bar has to offer starting Tuesday, Nov. 1, when the destination officially opens its doors to Wrigley members and newcomers alike. In addition to being the first to experience the new space, those visiting Jamie’s Wine Bar on the grand opening day (Nov. 1) will be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne from Wrigley’s private label brut.
Jamie’s Wine Bar will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis Tuesday through Saturday from 3 pm – 9 pm (happy hour will be hosted from 3 pm – 6 pm with half-off select wines by the glass and shareable plates), and will be available for small parties and special events. For more about the Wrigley Mansion, visit WrigleyMansion.com.
