WINE & CHEESE? YES PLEASE

WINE& CHEESE?

Yes, Please

Vintage 53’s renovated space includes a specialty marketplace and pairing classes

By Chris Walker | Photo provided by Vintage 53

Good times are easy to come by at Vintage 53, thanks to owner Mario Grado’s decision to renovate, add a specialty market and enhance the experience for his guests.

“I thought of this mixed-use vision of half cozy wine bar and half specialty market during our shutdown,” he says. “I got to take a step back and reflect on if my vision for Vintage 53 was consistent with what we evolved to. I felt changes had to be made, and it just clicked one day.”

Grado chose to reduce the size of the dining area while honing in on what Vintage 53 does best: wine, cheese, charcuterie and specialty food. Retail shelving has replaced all of Vintage 53’s benches and most tables.

“The renovations have been received incredibly well,” he notes. “A common reaction has been that we were great before, but this new concept is incredible.”

Today, Vintage 53 houses a specialty marketplace, cheese shop and wine bar in downtown St. Charles.

The shop won finest wine bar and was also named one of the finest wine shops as well as one of the finest gourmet shops in this year’s Kane County’s Finest readers’ choice contest. Specializing in artisanal cut-to-order cheese, charcuteries, wine and accompaniments, as well as serving boards, glassware and gifts, Grado believes Vintage 53 has something for everyone. Additionally, Vintage 53 has curated to-go trays to accommodate about 15 people as well as grazing tables for larger gatherings. “It’s a great date night spot or a place to meet friends,” he says. “We are also gaining a loyal following of people that just pop in once a week for some cut-to-order cheese. We have around 40 cheeses that are all cut fresh off the wheel! So, cheese lovers, wine lovers, food lovers: This is the spot for you.” St. Charles resident Jan Held has quickly become a fan of Vintage 53’s new shop. “I love them,” she says. “They are so helpful and the cheese is absolutely amazing. They always have great suggestions as to cheeses, accompaniments and pairings. I shop their market weekly and highly recommend.” You have to come experience Vintage 53 yourself to truly recognize how Grado and his staff have evolved as they inch closer to their sixth year. “I think what’s made us so successful as a wine bar has been our constant attention to the ‘experience,’” Grado says. “Every pivot we make, every wine we bring in, every aspect of Vintage 53 is about the overall experience. Beyond that, I think we stay true to ourselves and our customers. We sell products we like and we have a passion for sharing them with our guests.” With the holidays approaching as well as the addition of wine and cheese pairing classes on Sundays and a grazing table program, it’s busy season at Vintage 53. “We’re already taking catering orders for grazing tables and private pairing classes through the new year,” Grado says. “We’re expecting the gift baskets and holiday baskets to be a huge hit this year as well.”

 VINTAGE 53 162 S. First St., St. Charles 630-549-0423 www.vintage53.com