Elmhurt's Cuvee Cellars the toast of the town
Those who live in and around Elmhurst must really love their wine. That's the only explanation I can come up with for why so many new wine bars keep sprouting up in this suburb.
With all of these new wine bars in Elmhurst, you'd think the market was beginning to oversaturate; fortunately, that is not the case. Cuvee Cellars, formerly just known for its prior wine store location, has joined the pack and recently opened a new establishment which encompasses both a bar and a store.
Motif: Cuvee Cellars is still heavily rooted in selling bottles of wine and beer, but now a bar takes top billing. Around the racks of wine and the refrigerator filled with beer are tables and chairs for people to sit at and enjoy a drink. The bar itself is at the back of the room with more seating for guests. Behind the bar, bottles are stacked up on glass shelves and the room is dimly lit by strings of lights on the ceiling. The décor here is very minimal and, in its simplicity, focuses on the wine.
Crowd: I have said this in previous wine bar stories, but if you are a single guy in your 30s and you are not venturing out to wine bars then you, sir, are a fool. Wine bars are goldmines for local single women. And Cuvee Cellars' clientele did not prove me wrong. There they were, four women sitting at the bar, drinking wine and chatting away.
Service: Cuvee Cellars' service during my visit was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The bartender chatted up guests about various wines and gladly answered any questions. The bartender was male, so you better believe that the women at the bar were conversing with him a lot. Again, guys, what did I say?
Liquid Consumption: Cuvee Cellars has an impressive list of wine for you to sample at the bar or to purchase and consume elsewhere. Some of the wine selections included CaTullio Pinot Grigio, Fess Parker Riesling, Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, Parker Station Pinot Noir, Marchiori and Barraud Malbec, A to Z Rose, Bernard Griffon Chardonnay and a lot more. Beer drinkers need not worry as Cuvee Cellars has you covered too with such choices as Miller High Life, MGD, Miller Lite, Sierra Nevada, Warsteiner, Magic Hat #9 and quite a few others.
Food: As with most wine bars, you don't stroll in to Cuvee Cellars for a big meal. Instead, you can expect hors d'oeuvres (see: cheese plates) to complement your wine selection
Sounds: For some reason, I always expect to be greeted by classical music upon my entrance to a wine bar. Personally, I'm probably not sophisticated enough for any bar that plays Mozart. Thankfully Cuvee Cellars' music selection was made up of recognizable pop hits.
Parking: When visiting Cuvee Cellars, you're going to have to find yourself a parking spot on the street. I did not have any problems tracking down parking, but depending on what time of the day you go, your experience may differ.
Overall: Cuvee Cellars is another fine wine bar for the suburbs. The wine choices are varied, the staff is friendly and the décor is simple yet sophisticated. And did I mention the wine-loving women who frequent the place?
Cuvee Cellars
545 S Spring Road, Elmhurst, (630) 833-2300
Hours: 5 p.m to midnight Monday; 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.