If you were to craft a "wine lovers tour" of Chicago, what would you include? we're interested in hopping around town for fun wine tasting and great venues, entertainment, whatever. thanks!

I would definitely include a stop at Bin 36.

www.bin36.com

What is your budget range? Are you serious about wine - or only looking for some recommended wine bars? I'm reading from your post that it's only for the second, but just in case...

Some of the top tier restaurants have wine pairings and flights with their multi-course meals. Expect to pay up to $300 (and more) for this option.

Chicago has many wine bars: Le Bar, Cru, Swirl, D.O.C. (Lincoln Park), Aria (sake), Minibar/Winebar (Boystown), etc. If you do a search on Metromix (the Chicago Tribune's online entertainment website) and you'll see many pages. Then you can choose what type of atmosphere you desire.

Pastoral: Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine has two locations in town. One in Lakeview on N. Broadway and the other in the Loop on Lake Street. The sommelier/wine buyer of Pastoral used to be the Assistant Wine Director of Bin 36. Take a look at their website for the PDF of their wine classes as well.

The Chopping Block, which also has two locations - one at the Merchandise Mart and the other in Lincoln Square - has wine classes as well.

How about Pops for Champagne (River North)- for wine and music.

Or The Tasting Room (west loop on Randolph) has a lovely lounge with couches and nice view of downtown. Great selection of wines by the glass...location a bit out of the way, yet only a short taxi ride from the loop.

Try Quartinos http://www.quartinochicago.com/about.html They are an Italian Rest./Wine Bar. They have very reasonable prices and offer small plates perfect for sharing.

I'm a fan of The Blue Bird in Wicker Park. Great wine bar/gastro pub w/ affordable wine and great food.