Cellar Rat

It may be located down a short flight of stairs, but Cellar Rat takes its name more from the rock and roll sensibility of its owner than its subterranean location.

Guitarist Dean Schlabowske, member of local favorite, the Waco Brothers, spent the last 18 years as a wine buyer and manager at such establishments as Sam’s and the Wine Discount Center.

In April, he teamed up with Steve Kopko, owner of the Green Eye Lounge and Blind Robin, and moved into his own digs in the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood.   

   

Cellar Rat boasts the motto: “Corporate Wine Still Sucks” on its website, and the simple shop sticks to this philosophy by carrying a hand-picked selection that celebrates the history and craft of winemaking in addition to great taste.   

“I’m a believer in the small is beautiful concept,” said Schlabowske. “My vision is to support small family-owned wineries and producers that are using more traditional methods of making wine.”  

Such as the Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence, from a 400-year-old estate that has never used a chemical. “It’s just a wonderful family making wonderful wine,” said Schlabowske. It’s a description that can be applied to every bottle in the place. “These are talented winemakers that are not making overly technical or fabricated wines. I’m not interested in wines that get scores (in magazines), just the quality and character of the wine and the people who make it.”   

 

And it doesn’t hurt that most of Cellar Rat’s selection is priced between $10 and $20, with a table well stocked with wines under $10.

Of course Schlabowske carries higher end wines because, and here he breaks into a smile, “They’re just really great.” But even here, he looks for value.   

Cellar Rat hosts events each month and bottles are always open for in-store tastings. Fans of locally made Tatine candles will find a selection of hand poured scented candles at the counter. Candle maker Margo Breznik, (Schlabowske’s Mrs. Rat), recently closed her Division Street shop but continues to make her beautifully scented and handcrafted candles available through her studio and at Cellar Rat.  

 

Cellar Rat Wine Shop
 
1811 W. North Ave. Suite 101
Chicago, IL
773-489-2728

www.cellarratchicago.com

 

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – L. Heller.
 
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Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  08/07.