WE ARE CANDID.
Candid Wines serves retailers and restauranteurs in Chicagoland with thoughtfully farmed and exquisitely made wines from around the world. We are a direct importer and independent distributor focused on value, quality, and customer service. Our team consists of restaurant and industry veterans with a penchant for sharing the joy we find in every bottle we sell.
And as a family-owned, independent importer, we strive to offer unmatched service and quality. For nearly 20 years we have championed high-quality, great-value wine estates with the belief that sustainability must be the standard and not the exception in the wine industry.
We welcome you to experience our portfolio and taste the fruits of our labor.
OUR PASSION
"What is your favorite wine?" is a question we are often asked.
The answer is always the same. Our favorite wines are the wines that make our friends and colleagues happy. Introducing customers to new flavors, places and people is the best thing about importing directly. Our favorite wines are the wines that make other people smile.
Our lives have taken us all over the wine world and we will never tire of finding delicious, unaccustomed wines, telling the stories of those who created them, and constantly improving our business in order to better serve our customers.
OUR TEAM
Candid Wines was born from the joy Damien discovered over six years of living in France, one wine region, one culinary tradition, and one meal at a time. While working in a suit and tie, first at an energy services company in Paris, and then at a telecommunications startup in Montpellier, his attention regularly wandered to farmers’ markets and local winemakers. Following this passion lead him to cooking school in Vermont and then back to Paris for two years in the kitchen, including a stint at the 3-star Lucas Carton, known for legendary wine and food pairings. His interest in wine won out and visits to cellars, vineyards and wine fairs across France laid the groundwork for a network of relationships that gave birth to Candid Wines a few years later.
Gillian's passion for operations led her to Candid Wines, after 10 years in private equity and tech. As our Chief Operating Officer, Gillian spends her time building processes to help Candid and its employees better serve our customers and producer partners.
And all we had to do to convert her to “wine lover” status was open up a bottle of Scherrer Cabernet…
A veteran of the beverage industry, Alex McNeely combines passion and technical knowledge in a way that makes him a true partner to his customers. After a decade as a buyer and a Sommelier in New York City at The Spotted Pig and Lilia, Alex’s interest in winemaking led him to pursue a degree in Enology and Viticulture at Lake Michigan College – and work harvest on the Sonoma Coast and in the Willamette Valley. Familiar with many Candid producers from his time in NYC and tenure at Chicago gem All Together Now, he joined Candid Wines at the start of 2023. A pro’s pro, Alex is an incredible ally in building lists, training staff, and recommending the perfect Pinot to help your program stand out.
With over a decade of wine sales experience on- and off-premise, Scott (WSET III) is a trusted partner for Sommeliers and Wine Buyers in Chicago. He honed his expertise in collectible and classic wines at Hart Davis Hart and Wally’s, cultivating a passion for terroir-driven producers like Brianne Day and Champagne Pierre Moncuit. Now at Candid Wines, Scott connects trade professionals with world-class selections.
Connect with Scott today to explore Candid Wines' portfolio and bring some of the best in the world to your selection.
DAMIEN CASTEN
Chief Executive Officer
GILLIAN CASTEN
Chief Operating Officer
ALEX MCNEELY
City Sales
SCOTT RUTKOWSKI
City Sales
Cisco is the heart and soul of Candid Wines. He oversees the care and well-being of every Candid bottle of wine from the moment it lands at our temperature-controlled Chicago warehouse until it is carefully loaded on a truck and delivered to its new home. Long-time customers remember “Cisco the Driver” as one of their favorite delivery people, but we couldn’t be happier to have his incredible attention to detail and mischievous, jolly, “we-can-fix-that” attitude now focused on managing our warehouse and domestic ordering. Though he has been in the wine industry for many years, his favorite flavor is still Malort and he never misses a chance to foist a shot on an unsuspecting visiting winemaker.
As Candid’s lead delivery driver, Michael spends as much time with our customers as anyone on our team and takes extreme care in what he does. If you’re a customer, chances are that Michael has saved your order from an error or rearranged a route to make sure you received delivery on time. Michael measures twice and cuts once, and does everything with a smile, even if it’s -3 degrees out or the rain is blowing sideways. Michael’s fan base is large and not limited to the wine industry; music fans across Chicago know Michael from his years as a talented vocalist!
MARITZA CAMPOS
Back Office Assistant
Warehouse Manager
CISCO
AYALA
MICHAEL
MARTINEZ
Deliveries
A Chicago wine industry veteran, Freddy provides unparalleled service to city restaurants and independent retail. Known for his knowledge of French wines, with a particular passion for Grower Champagne and Burgundy, "Downtown" Freddy Brown is a true pro. He's been a respected peer since Candid Wines first opened almost twenty years ago, and we are thrilled to call Freddy a team member today. Freddy can be reached at freddy@candidwines.com or 773.814.9827.
FREDDY
BROWN
City Sales
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IAM A WINE DRINKER, NOT A WINE TASTER. WINE SHOULD BE SO DELICIOUS YOU WANT TO OPEN THE NEXT MAGNUM.
KLAUS PETER-KELLER
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