BRIANNE DAY IN CHICAGO: 3 DAYS, 3 VENUES, YOUR ONLY CHANCE UNTIL 2026
- Damien Casten
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Oregon's most innovative winemaker is coming to Chicago for three exclusive events – and she won't be back until Third Coast Soif 2026.
Brianne Day, the visionary behind Day Wines' extraordinary 25-grape-variety portfolio, doesn't visit Chicago every year. This August 19-21, you have three rare opportunities to taste her wines with the winemaker herself. Miss this, and you'd have to fly to Oregon and hope to catch her in the tasting room to get this kind of direct access again.
From a 125-case startup in 2012 to 15,000+ cases today, Brianne has built one of Oregon's most diverse and respected natural wine programs, sourcing from 32 vineyards across both Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon. Here's your complete guide to experiencing Day Wines with Brianne personally.
Brianne at Apero Chicago:
Tuesday, August 19th, (6-8 PM)
TUESDAY SURPRISE: Brianne Pours at Apero Chicago in North Center!
Northsiders! One of the best independent, natural wine bars in the city has a surprise this Tuesday: Come have your glass of Day Wines poured for you by Brianne Day herself. Brianne will be on hand from 6-8 to guide you through her winemaking philosophy and the stories behind each bottle.
Why You Should Come
Direct from the source: Taste Day Wines with Brianne personally and hear the stories behind each blend, from her journey across 80+ wine regions worldwide to building one of Oregon's most diverse natural wine portfolios.
Rare opportunity: Brianne generally visits Chicago every two years – this is your chance to taste Day Wines with the winemaker herself. You'll have to wait for Third Coast Soif 2026, or fly to Oregon to get this kind of direct access again.
Personal insights: Learn about Brianne's moderate natural winemaking approach, her co-fermentation techniques, and why she chose to explore Oregon's incredible diversity beyond just Pinot Noir.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, August 19th, 6-8 PM
Where: Apero Chicago (4160 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618)
What: A chance to meet Brianne here
More info: Instagram Event
GoodFunk on the River: Winemaker Takeover
Wednesday, August 20th, 5:30-8 PM
WINEMAKER TAKEOVER at GoodFunk On the River!
Meet Brianne after work on Wednesday at her only downtown event this year!
Experience Brianne Day's innovative Oregon wines at THE Natural Wine bar in the Loop.
Why You Should Come
Perfect venue pairing: GoodFunk specializes in natural wines from eclectic producers around the world – making it the ideal showcase for Day Wines' 25-grape-variety portfolio from 32 Oregon vineyards.
Downtown accessibility: Located in the Loop, this is your chance to experience Oregon's most diverse wine producer without leaving the city center.
Rare opportunity: Brianne only visits Chicago every two years – this is your chance to taste Day Wines with the winemaker herself. You'll have to wait for Third Coast Soif 2026, or fly to Oregon to get this kind of direct access again.
What to Expect
A Direct Connection with Brianne: Learn about Brianne's journey from 125 cases in 2012 to 15,000+ cases today, her co-fermentation techniques, and why she sources from both Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon. Insider tip: Ask her about the cave in Italy where she had her wine epiphany!
Diverse tastings: Experience everything from classic Oregon Pinot Noir to experimental orange wines, pet-nat sparkling, and rare varietals like Tannat and Chenin Blanc.
Food pairings: GoodFunk's pintxos and elevated bar dishes designed to complement natural wines – the perfect match for Day Wines' expressive, food-friendly style.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, August 20th, 5:30-8:00 PM
Where: GoodFunk Loop
More info: GoodFunk on the River
Pro tip: Arrive early – GoodFunk's intimate space fills up quickly.
Brianne Day at Binny's Bucktown:
Thursday, August 21st: (6-8 PM)
Join Brianne Day at Binny's Bucktown for an exclusive tasting showcasing the fantastic Day Wines lineup including the just landed 2024 Vin de Days Orange, 2024 Vine de Days Blanc and the 2023 Dazzles of Light!
Why You Should Come
Experience Day Wines at Illinois' largest wine retailer with direct access to purchase bottles you taste and love.
Broad portfolio showcase: Taste the full spectrum – from classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir to innovative white blends that demonstrate why Day Wines produces 25 different grape varieties.
Educational opportunity: Brianne only visits Chicago every two years – this is your chance to learn directly from the winemaker herself about her moderate natural winemaking approach, Oregon terroir diversity, and the stories behind each bottle. You'd have to fly to Oregon and hope to catch her in the tasting room to get this kind of direct access again.
What You'll Discover
Oregon beyond Pinot: While Day Wines crafts exceptional Pinot Noir, discover why Brianne explores Oregon's incredible diversity across both Willamette Valley and Southern Oregon appellations. The 2024 Vin de Days Orange has just hit the shelves!
Winemaking insights: Understand Day Wines' wild native yeast fermentations, co-fermentation techniques, and sustainable vineyard partnerships across 32 Oregon properties. Bring your questions!
Event Details
When: Thursday, August 21st, 6-8 PM
Where: Binny's Bucktown
Tickets: Limited availability – Register Here
Don't miss: This is your chance to taste and purchase Day Wines directly, with personal guidance from one of Oregon's most innovative winemakers.
About Day Wines: One of Oregon's Most Diverse Producers
Brianne Day represents the exciting evolution of Oregon winemaking – part of an exceptional community of producers redefining what American natural wine can be. What makes Day Wines special:
Unmatched diversity: 25 grape varieties from 32 vineyards across Oregon
Natural approach: Wild native yeast fermentations, minimal intervention, sustainable sourcing
Two-region strategy: Willamette Valley classics + Southern Oregon innovations
Proven growth: From 125 cases (2012) to 15,000+ cases today
Critical acclaim: Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker, 93-point Decanter scores
Day Wines proves that Oregon can support incredible diversity while maintaining the site-specific expression that makes great wine.
Don't Miss This Rare Opportunity
Three days. Three venues. Your only chance until 2026.
Whether you're a wine professional looking for your next great portfolio addition or a wine lover curious about Oregon's natural wine revolution, these events offer unprecedented access to one of the region's most innovative producers.
Each venue offers a different experience in a different Chicago neighborhood: Intimate storytelling at Apero in North Center, downtown accessibility at killer pairings at GoodFunk, retail convenience at Binny's Bucktown. Each provides the same rare opportunity: tasting exceptional wines with the winemaker who created them. Your next opportunity to meet Brianne in Chicago will be at Third Coast Soif 2026. Don't miss this chance!
Contact Candid Wines at info@candidwines.com for Day Wines allocation opportunities and Illinois availability.
