Mediterranean Wines Meet Fulton Market Energy
Fulton Market · Chicago · Mediterranean, Middle Eastern · Visit Website ↗
Updated March 2026
Reviewed March 8, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Aba leans hard into its Mediterranean identity without feeling stuck in the Old World. You've got 150-200 bottles here, and the focus is clear: Greece, Italy, southern France, plus a California contingent that makes sense given the restaurant's West Coast DNA. It's not trying to be a wine bar, but it's also not phoning it in.
The Mediterranean focus is thoughtful—Greek wines get proper attention beyond the usual Assyrtiko, and there's enough Italian depth to pair with both the hummus and the heartier mains. Southern California shows up strategically, offering familiar comfort for diners who want something closer to home. The 150-200 bottle range feels right-sized: enough to explore without paralyzing choice. No glaring gaps, though we'd love to see more Lebanese or Turkish producers to push the regional storytelling further.
Twenty to 25 pours by the glass is solid for a restaurant this size, and the $12-18 range won't scare anyone off. The Verdelia Sauvignon Blanc from California and Kalokaíri Rosé from Greece show they're thinking beyond the obvious Pinot Grigio pour. We'd like to see more rotation here—the program feels set rather than dynamic—but the selection covers the bases for most of what's coming out of the kitchen.
Kalokaíri Rosé of Agiorgitiko/Moschofilero, Greece — $14
Greek rosé with actual character and body, not just summer patio filler—pairs with everything from whipped feta to grilled octopus
Kalokaíri Rosé of Agiorgitiko/Moschofilero, Greece
Most people skip rosé when they see 'Mediterranean restaurant,' but this Greek blend has more structure and interest than half the reds on the list
Giuliana Prosecco, Italy, NV
Generic Italian bubbly that adds nothing to the experience—if you want sparkle, push your server for something more regional or interesting
Verdelia Sauvignon Blanc, California + Whipped Feta
California Sauv Blanc brings bright acidity to cut through the richness of the feta, and the citrus notes echo the Mediterranean herbs
✔️ The Bottom Line
Aba isn't chasing wine nerds, but the list shows actual thought and ties to the food in a way that most Mediterranean spots in this price bracket don't bother with. Fair pricing, competent staff, and a selection that won't disappoint your Greek wine-curious friend.
West Loop · Chicago · Californian
The Oakville Grill earns its Wine Spectator credential and the sommelier duo makes this list accessible, not intimidating. Wednesday half-price wine night alone is reason enough to get a reservation — just let go of the idea that anything other than California is on the agenda.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Varietal Specific
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Proper
Lincoln Park · Chicago · American
John's is a neighborhood spot that punches well above its casual format — two sommeliers, a thoughtful France-and-California list, fair prices, and half-price bottles every Monday. Send your friends here, especially on a Monday.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Active Program
Proper
River North · Chicago · American, Seafood
Terrace 16 earns its Wine Spectator badge and delivers a respectable, California-and-France-focused list in one of Chicago's most dramatic dining rooms. Just don't expect to be surprised — the wine is as reliable as the skyline view, and nearly as expensive.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
River North · Chicago · French, Indian
Indienne is the Wild Card in the truest sense — a fusion kitchen with a genuinely considered wine program that earns its Wine Spectator nod. Yes, send a friend here for wine, but make sure they skip the Napa Cab and lead with Riesling.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Loop · Chicago · Steak house
BLVD Steakhouse doesn't reinvent the steakhouse wine list, but it executes the formula competently — solid producers, proper storage, and enough range to keep a table of Cab loyalists happy all night. Just go in with your eyes open on the markups and skip the trophy-bottle trap.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Proper
Magnificent Mile · Chicago · American
Adorn is a reliable, well-staffed wine program in a high-overhead setting — you're paying for the view and the address, but the list itself is legitimate. Send a friend here who wants solid French and California bottles without doing homework first.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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