THE MISSION of our wine program is to educate and expand the palates of our customers, while at the same time presenting the pleasures of well-matched food and wine.

We are proud to present Cafe Lucci’s 2008 Wine List featuring 740 selections, including 32 by the half-bottle plus an unprecedented 32 offerings by the glass. Of special interest are our new 260-wine Reserve List (“Bobby’s Private Collection”) and the greatly expanded older vintage Bordeaux selections.

The chef and I continue to expand our horizons with food and wine research in this country and abroad. In 2007, I returned to Napa Valley three times and visited 18 wineries in Bordeaux. The chef and sous chef traveled to vineyards and restaurants in Piedmont and Tuscany where they were inspired with many ideas for creating dishes that infuse our new menu. Of course, matching wines with these culinary innovations was integral to the process. My next foray into wine country abroad will be to Australia’s Barossa Valley.

As part of our newly renovated party room, we are pleased to announce the debut of “The Alcove,” which is seats 8-10 at a single banquet-style table. Surrounded on both sides by beautiful custom built wine storage cabinets with enhanced temperature control, the new space is ideal for hosting private wine tastings and dinners.

To that end, we offer frequent Winemaker Dinners featuring five-course gourmet fare married to fine wines from wineries around the world. In 2007, the chef and I presented Petaluma with winemaker Andrew “Ox” Hardy, Grgich Vineyards with owner Violet Grgich, winemaker Marchési di Gresy from his Piedmont winery; Mollydooker Vineyards with winemaker and co-owner Sparky Marquis, Marco Bacci Estates with the Tuscan winemaker and, finally, a special dinner featuring my own favorite blends.

Be sure to check our Special Events Page for news of upcoming Winemaker Dinners - and send us your e-mail address to receive direct, immediate notification. These events, which are held in our private party room (capacity of 60), fill up very quickly, so reserve early by calling 847.729.2268 or e-mailing info@cafelucci.com. Please put Winemaker Dinner in the subject line.

Your Host and Wine Program Manger,

Bobby Arifi