At Cellar Rat, you will always find incredible bargains and exceptional wines. They're out there and we find them — so you can drink them.

I have worked in the retail wine trade in Chicago since 1990, most of that time as a buyer for two of Chicago's largest retailers. These positions have taken me to cellars of all the great wine producing regions of France as well as Italy, Australia, California and Oregon. In this time, I've tried to focus on listening to what the customer REALLY wants, then doing my best to put a bottle in their hands that will make them happiest. While I have the knowledge and experience to sell the most expensive wines, I get the most joy from finding great wines at prices people can afford.

Wines From Independent Wineries

I offer a hand-picked selection of great wines, great values, and unpretentious, expert wine advice. I taste everything that comes in to verify quality. The selection is focused on small, family owned wineries using natural and traditional techniques. These wines, often priced the same or less than their mass-produced counterparts, offer truly distinct flavor and character.