LAKEVIEW — Break out the pinot, wine-guzzlers: Wednesday is National Drink Wine Day, and Lakeview is representing with wine bar specials galore.
The off-beat holiday is meant to promote the benefits of drinking wine, which can range from improving lung function to preventing stroke damage. Light to moderate drinkers are less likely to develop dementia, according to one study, co-authored by Edward Neafsey, Loyola University Chicago director of graduate neurosciences.
Some Lakeview establishments are celebrating the holiday with specials and discounts:
1. Mia Francesca, 3311 N. Clark St., 5 to 10 p.m.
From bubbly prosecco to bold cabernet sauvignon, Mia Francesca will offer $4 glasses of wine all day Wednesday. The 21 wines normally range in price from $6-12.50. Options include a Corsini Birillo Rosso merlot from Tuscany and a Sicilian chardonnay from Arancio Stemmari. The restaurant's Italian cuisine includes antipasti, pizza and pasta dishes.
2. Paired Wine Company, 3325 N. Halsted St., noon to 10 p.m.
While "every day is National Drink Wine Day at Paired Wine Company," there will be a special deal on Wednesday, said co-owner Joseph Giannini. The wine bar and liquor store will offer an additional 10 percent off for customers who mention Wine Day (and that's in addition to the 10 percent discount for those who purchase a case). Paired Wine celebrated its two-year anniversary on Valentine's Day and regularly hosts complimentary tastings and monthly wine club meetings.
3. Pizza Rustica, 3908 N. Sheridan Road, 5 to 10 p.m.
In addition to its weekly Bistro Burger Wednesdays, Pizza Rustica will offer half-priced bottles of Italian wines. The seven offerings include a tangy trebbiano, an earthy Zenato Classico Superiore valpolicella and a bright Palmadina refosco.
4. mEAT on Halsted, 3339 N. Halsted St., 5 to 11 p.m.
In addition to a delectable range of skewers and sides, mEAT boasts a list of innovative cocktails and craft beers. But its wine menu will be the highlight on Wednesday with half-priced glasses all night. Normally between $8-14 a glass, wines include a 2012 barrel-aged Taft Street chardonnay and a 2011 Mapema malbec.
5. Bottle & Bottega Lakeview Studio, 2900 N. Lincoln Ave., 6 to 9 p.m.
The philosophy at Bottle & Bottega is to inspire amateurs to pick up a paintbrush and uncork their talent — and their drinks. The regular Wine Down Wednesday public event will include special raffle items this week in honor of National Drink Wine Day. The BYOB event costs $35 and includes paint supplies, instruction, aprons and a 16x20 canvas to paint a piece by a local artist.
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