Downtown Wine Shop Keeps Folks from Getting Wound Up

Wine can be intimidating, especially in this country, where it is often reserved for special occasions and viewed as complicated, expensive or even snobbish by some.

At in Clarendon Hills, owner Terrie Walker wants to show residents that wine is actually fun, affordable and adventurous.

“People know this is fun place and it's a party when they come here,” Walker said. “Wine is not the mystery to people it used to be and it can be fun—you can sit on your patio with a chilled white wine or enjoy it with a pizza, just like you can with a beer.”

Walker started All Wined Up about a year-and-a-half ago, after losing her job in financial marketing to a bank merger.

“It just seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something like this,” she said. “Wine was a hobby and I had taken some classes. After working part time at another wine store, my husband and I decided to start our own.”

Walker and her husband Brian live in Lisle, but discovered that Taste of Vino was for sale. They agreed there was a market for a wine store in Clarendon Hills and liked the cute and quaint downtown area where the shop was located.

Along with selling many varieties and brands of wine, Walker's store also has a bar where wine is served by the glass and bottle, offers free tastings on Thursdays, has a wine club and live music on Saturdays.

Through all of it, Walker said she hopes to push people beyond their comfort zone and discover other types of wine.

“There is so much out there, it just seems like a waste to stick to the one bottle you know you like,” she said. “With a free wine tasting, you really don't have much to lose and you can know you like something new before you purchase it.”

Walker said she has tried every bottle she carries and has the knowledge to point potential customers in the direction of new wines they might like to try. While the store carries wine you are not going to find in your local grocery store or corner liquor store, All Wined Up is not just for aficionados with deep pockets.

“We have wines from $8 on up and I don't carry anything that I don't think is good for what it is,” she said.

Walker's personal favorites are Syrahs from Washington state and the Italian whites she said many people don't even know about.

“I also like a lot of the Argentinean wines, which are a great value with good flavor,” she said.

Walker said she has tried to involve the store in the community and has been active in the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce. She said the tastings and live music also make the shop more than just a place to buy a dinner drink, but a hang out of sorts.

“People love to come in here and have a glass," she said. "They know it's fun and relaxing and they can just chit-chat and enjoy some good wine."

All Wined Up is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Walker can be found in the store most days and her husband, who still works full time in marketing, is there on the weekends.

More information about special events and products sold can be found on their website. All Wined Up is also on Facebook