Vendador Beverage Program

From vintage wine pairings to intricate seasonal cocktail lists, spirit-free libations and a full bar program for all night celebrations, Vendador is Chicago's leading licensed bar service for those seeking premium beverage experiences at private events, weddings, and corporate celebrations throughout Chicagoland.

Sommelier curated wine pairings for tasting menus by Vendador

Wine Pairings

Elevate your Private Dining Experience with Vendador's expertly curated wine pairings and premium wine packages. Our sommelier-selected wine collections feature both innovative New World producers and timeless Old World vineyards, designed to complement any celebration from intimate gatherings to corporate events. Choose from our thoughtfully curated pairings or trust our Sommelier's Selection of two bottles to compliment your personalized menu.

  • Experience the innovative spirit of modern winemaking. Featuring dynamic New World producers who are redefining their regions with fresh perspectives, sustainable practices, and bold creativity. Perfect for adventurous palates seeking contemporary excellence.

  • Discover the timeless elegance of global winemaking traditions. Our Cave selections showcase exceptional Old World vineyards alongside carefully chosen small-production New World wineries that honor these classic techniques. Each bottle represents generations of expertise and terroir-driven character.

  • The collector's Cuvée pairing consists of curated wines from the world's best wineries. This package includes a one-on-one consultation call with our Wine Director to understand your preferences while developing your personalized pairing menu. We then dive deep into our cellar and sources to find only our best wine. This once-in-a-lifetime pairing has a heavy emphasis on showcasing wines aged to perfection.

  • Discover the perfect harmony of varietals with our sommelier's expertly chosen wine duo—one exceptional white and one outstanding red—carefully selected to elevate your event's distinctive style and menu.

A cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with a sprig of thyme, with some orange round edible decorations floating on top, placed on a marble surface.

Seasonal Craft Cocktails

Our cocktail program follows the same hyperseasonal philosophy that drives our culinary partnershipscapturing ingredients at their peak and transforming them into drinks that evolve with the calendar. Each cocktail represents a precise intersection of terroir, technique, and timing, where early summer stone fruit or the earthy depth of autumn roots becomes the foundation for something unexpected.

We approach mixology as culinary artistry. Our cocktails are the overture to your dining experience — each sip awakening the palate and setting the stage for what comes next. Every recipe evolves with the seasons, so every guest experiences ingredients at their absolute prime.

Explore our current seasonal menu below.

A silver tray with bottles of Hendrick's gin, Fee Brothers bitters, a glass decanter, and various glasses, set on a black surface with a potted plant in the background.

Bar Classics

Vendador's Premium Open Bar showcases exceptional craft distilleries alongside artisanal liqueurs, creating a sophisticated foundation for over 28 expertly crafted cocktails. From a French 75 to a Negroni, Ranch Water to an Oaxacan Old Fashioned — every drink is prepared with the same precision and premium ingredients that define everything we do.

We recommend the Open Bar for weddings, showers, corporate holiday parties, galas, and garden parties where guests have time to settle in and enjoy. Minimum three hours, maximum five. Wine, beer, and soft drinks included.

The Cocktail Menu

Line graph with fluctuating trend and a large jump upward, black background, minimalist style.

Spring & Summer 2026

Mixing Things Up

Wine Tastings

Private Wine Tastings with Expert Sommelier Guidance

Discover the art of wine appreciation with Vendador's curated wine tasting experiences in Chicago. Savor each sip as we explore the intricate tapestry of 5 carefully selected wines, guided by our sommelier's expertise. Each tasting features a decadent charcuterie grazing board with artisanal cheeses and cured meats, perfectly paired to enhance every wine's unique character.

Choose from Old World classics, New World innovations, or a regional explorations.

Perfect for corporate events, anniversary celebrations, wine club gatherings, or sophisticated date nights. Available as a standalone experience or paired with our private dining services throughout Chicagoland.

Cocktail Classes

Learn Premium Mixology with Vendador's Private Cocktail Classes

Master the art of craft cocktails with our customizable mixology classes in Chicago. Learn to create 3 professional-level cocktails while our chef prepares perfectly paired small bites. Choose your experience: focus on a specific spirit, explore themed collections like Tropical or Classic Cocktails, or discover regional specialties like Italian aperitivo culture. Our expert bartenders teach professional techniques using the same premium ingredients featured in our seasonal cocktail program.

Perfect for corporate team building, bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or date nights. Available as an add-on experience or standalone private event throughout Chicagoland.

Red wine being poured into a glass at a dinner table with other glasses and cutlery nearby.

Personal Wine

Pairing

Services

Prefer to provide your own wine for your dining experience? Our sommeliers ensure your personal selections receive the same meticulous attention as our curated collections.

Two Options:

Private Collection Pairings

Our sommelier creates detailed pairing recommendations by analyzing your wine collection alongside your menu. We review your list in advance, suggesting optimal wine-to-course matches to transform your personal bottles into a sophisticated pairing that rivals any restaurant wine program.

Includes sommelier tasting notes presented with each course and premium crystal pairing stemware. Priced per course. Wine list preferred at least 72 hours prior to dinner.

Corkage

For clients providing their own wine. Your bottles are opened, decanted when appropriate, and served with care throughout the evening. Priced per person.

  • The drinks were thoughtful and incredibly delicious and the wine pairing was truly outstanding. The experience was so special.

    Sheri Jorgensen

  • Amazing experience from start to finish. The food, drinks and service were flawless, definitely best-in-class. Cocktails and wine pairings were completely on point, and everything was five star caliber with every bite.

    Tim Salm

  • It was like being at a Michelin star restaurant but in the comfort of your own home. I highly recommend booking an experience with Francis!

    Azaleea Rad

  • Chef Francis and his team helped us to host a remarkable dinner party with friends. His sommelier helped to pick out wines from our cellar and put together some amazing pre-dinner cocktails. Everything was beautiful and delicious.

    Julie Scuickas