Our Story - Apero Chicago

The People Behind the Pour

Hey everyone, I’m Rob, a world traveler for more than twenty years who fell in love with the art of wine somewhere between a vineyard in Tuscany and a late-night bar in Paris. What started as curiosity became a lifelong passion for the stories behind each bottle, the soil, the seasons, and the people who make it possible.

Apero was born from that passion: a place to bring those stories home to Chicago. Here, every pour carries a sense of place a connection to the growers who trust the land and the communities who share it around a table. Together with an amazing team of creatives, sommeliers, and storytellers, we’re building something grounded, intentional, and joyfully human.

Meet the Van Den Eeden’s

We are Jason and Grace Van Den Eeden, a husband-and-wife team with a shared passion for wine and hospitality. Alongside Grace’s brother, Robert Cervantes, we created our wine bar with the intention of offering a comfortable, welcoming space where our community can gather, unwind, and enjoy thoughtfully curated wines.

Our wine bar is designed to feel approachable and inclusive—whether you’re a longtime wine lover or just beginning your journey. We focus on wines we truly love, warm and friendly service, and an atmosphere that encourages connection among friends, neighbors, and
newcomers alike.

We are grateful to be part of this neighborhood and look forward to welcoming you, one glass at a time.

Honest Wine. Human Stories.

We believe wine should speak of where it comes from and who made it. At Apero, we work with small producers who farm organically and craft their wines with minimal intervention, letting nature take the lead.

The Journey

Every bottle we pour begins with healthy soil and passionate growers. Our team visits the vineyards, meets the makers, and shares their stories, bringing their spirit to Chicago, one glass at a time.

Vineyard Values, Urban Heart.

Apero was created to make natural wine accessible, an experience rooted in craftsmanship, community, and curiosity. You don’t need to travel to France or California to discover exceptional natural wines; they’re right here, shared over laughter, music, and conversation.