MORE THAN…GRAPES

For us, More Than Grapes is more than a name or a title, it is a mantra - we are about more than, well, grapes!  Understanding that every glass of wine carries with it a story—a journey—a legend—we believe that guests should have the opportunity to connect with those stories every time they sip one of our intriguing wines.   

We carefully select producers of high-quality wines with a passion for and dedication to their craft, ingredients, land and community and partner with equally as passionate distributors.  We are committed to introducing exceptional wines from celebrated grape varietals as well Italy’s best kept secrets and innovative newcomers, all at great values, so that anyone may share in the delight, culture and wonder of Italy. 

It is with this ideal that More Than Grapes brings companies to the U.S. market to give the farmer, the vintner and the grape on the vine on the hill in the small town—a voice—an identity—in America. And along with them, uncover the stories, love, culture - and legends - of their home. 

More Than Grapes is an Importer & Distributor of Italian wine based in Illinois near the vibrant city of Chicago, with distribution partners throughout the U.S. in 15 states, the District of Columbia and more coming soon.   

While that is our technical job, for us, importing wine has never been about selling wine. It’s about the relationships and community we and others build along the way. The best part of our job is visiting our producers and partners to check in on them, catch up, perhaps share an espresso (or glass of wine) and really get to know them. Get to know their families, their passions, their dreams…all of the things that so often seem to get lost when doing business, but we feel are the most important parts of our business. The parts that make us human. The parts that make us want to come to work each day…the parts that give us reason to work at all! 

It’s also about the experiences and bonds we can help create by putting something in front of people that can be a common ground…a starting point for conversations, queries, laughter and so much more. Or even a companion to a great book, as one discovers the real or imaginary world of another and sometimes even oneself. 

We know this might sound a little philosophical or poetic, but it’s true. We are Italians after all, so we can’t help it!  We were the founders of the renaissance, the lovers of art, music and poetry…the dreamers and passion seekers! Growing our “family” and taking care of one another is in our heritage and one of the reasons we are so proud to have Italian roots.