BTB Wines Offers Tastings, Wine Shop

LEMONT, IL — BTB Wines, a tucked-away wine shop at 110 Main St. in downtown Lemont, has quite the history. Many visitors don't realize that the wine shop has been around Lemont for years, albeit under different names, the business said.

Current owner Bob Sipek told Patch many people are unaware of where the store is located, and are happy and surprised when they realize a tie-in to the old Brandt Cellars shop.

BTB Wines was previously Brandt Cellars, which closed in 2012 at 111 Stephen St. The business said owner Brian Brandt was known as "The Wine Guy." After Brandt Cellars closed, a new version of the shop, Otto-Brandt Wines, opened at the current location at 110 Main St.

In January 2019, three friends of Brandt's then purchased Otto-Brandt Wines and renamed it BTB Wines. The business said it has all the old favorites Brandt Cellars was known for, as well as some new wines.

Brandt, who had continued to run the shop, died in July, and his daughter, Ashley, is carrying on her dad's legacy at BTB Wines.

Ashley, who manages the store, said their loyal customers have helped them through the difficult times caused by the coronavirus.

The location on Main Street offers space for a wine shop, bar, wine tasting area, and a video gaming area. Customers can order a glass, or a bottle or case to take home.

Ashley said the business has also set up a wine tasting room which follows all current health restrictions.

"The room is spaced out, and it's not used on a daily basis," Ashley told Patch. It is cleaned and sanitized regularly and it's also walled off from the other areas of the store.

The hours for BTB Wines is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and it is closed on Sunday.