Spoke and Vine Wine Bar Brings German Tastings to Oktoberfest

New to Evergreen Park, Spoke and Vine Wine Bar and Bottle Shop hopes to make a “splash” with their wine offerings at Saturday’s Evergreen Park Oktoberfest celebration at Klein Park.

Fittingly, Spoke and Vine will be showcasing German wines in their tent from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.

With a June opening -- followed by a July ribbon cutting at 3146 W. 95th St. -- the owners Bridget Carey and Reid Nuttall offer patrons an alternative to traditional tavern settings.

Bright lighting and comfortable sofas, complemented by traditional table seating and bar stools, Spoke and Vine invites people to enjoy a communal feel, with an escape from television, gambling machines and jukebox standards.

“The goal here is to come in and try something new,” said Carey. “We hope that patrons will connect with friends and neighbors and share their recommendations. It is so much fun when you can introduce a person to a new wine that you love.”

While the late-night television host of informal roundtable discussions "enjoying the lively art of conversation" is gone, the format is not. People are putting down phones to engage with those seated with them.

Inspired by the old world notion of biking to a vineyard, Carey and Nuttall have plans to order bike racks for patrons.

“Saturday at Oktoberfest will allow us to meet those who haven’t stopped in yet,” said Carey. “We are excited to show the community a snapshot of what we offer.”

Those attending Oktoberfest will be able to taste from the eclectic mix of wines shipped to Spoke and Vine. Wines are available in 2, 6, and 9-ounce pours, and the owners feature different wine flights every week. In the coming months, Spoke and Vine will be rolling out a wine club and special tasting events.

“Our ever-growing selection brings wines from around the world right to your fingertips,” said Carey.

The couple’s own sense of adventure led to introductions that otherwise never might have occurred.

“We aspire to travel the world trying new wines and getting out to meet the owners who worked the vines,” said Nuttall. “But what we can do right now is bring wines from around the world right here to Evergreen Park.”

Carefully selected craft beers populate the menu as well, including local favorites from Horse Thief Hollow and Chicago’s up-and-comer Maplewood Brewing.

The variety of beers from the Chicago land breweries include other award-winning craft brewers.

The food menu includes flatbreads, salads, bacon-wrapped dates, charcuterie and scrumptious meatballs.

Carey fashioned the portions of food for snacking or an entire meal.

The casual nature of the décor and layout, along with rare musical tracks in a perfect acoustical setting, has prompted “date night” opportunities for those just meeting for the first time or married for 33 years.

A retail section is also available allowing patrons to take home wines they try and love. That said Carey and Nuttall listen carefully to what their patrons are looking for and are always on the hunt for new great wines.

“While we hope to expand patrons’ interest in wine, we have to be good listeners, too, and learn what they like,” said Nuttall. “If customers like a pinot noir not with us, for example, we can recommend another variety they might like. The same could be said for beer selection.”

“Come for a date,” Carey said. “Come with your friends.

“We look forward to meeting more community members Saturday.”

Spoke and Vine is open Wednesday and Thursday, from 3-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. The table for 12 is booked upon request and is ideal for special occasions or after-work gatherings.

Spoke and Wine is a 21-and-older establishment. For more information, call (708) 620-8877 or visit the website.