About Us
Who We Are
We’re a bottle shop + experience consisting of a team of friendly people who care about the world and what it’s drinking.
Whew, that was a mouthful!
At the helm of our squad is owner Melissa Zeman. Back in 2009, Melissa said to herself, “Someday I’m going to open a wine shop that focuses on community.” Then she worked very hard and that someday became September 6, 2019. This still makes her want to open Champagne every day. Don’t tempt her. Or do.
You’ll also find Melissa’s husband Danny in the shop from time to time, usually fixing things, crunching numbers, or drinking the inventory.
Additionally, the BU team is a loyal, knowledgeable bunch: Allison, Rendi, Jake, Chelsea, Gabi, Krista, Stades, and Blake. They are all a) incredible humans and b) here to help make your day better.
Aaaaaand since we have your attention, we’d like to thank all the people who have helped – and continue to help – make BottlesUp a reality. Namely, our family, friends, distributors, suppliers, vendors, delivery drivers, accountant (hi Mike!), city, community, business neighbors, Club members, and you. Turns out it really does take a village. And we’re so very grateful that you’re a part of ours.
Meet the Team
chronic collaborator • "girl power" advocate • pickle monster • YOLOer • hugger • Trinity University (Texas) alumna/margarita analyst • Danny’s kindergarten crush
*Fun fact: Studied abroad in Munich during the 2006 World Cup (IN Germany) and is really not sure how she passed her classes.
professional civil engineer • notoriously the last man standing • animal whisperer • University of Illinois alumni/wrestler • Melissa’s 2nd grade crush
Fun fact: Fastest talker in the Midwest.
chronic overthinker (usually to others’ benefit) • hotdog anthropologist • self tattoo artist • proud college dropout • email spirits Qs to jake@bottlesupchicago.com!
Fun fact: Usually has a backpack full of records and/or assorted vegetables.
Chicago born and bred • ride or dies with Brunello di Montalcino • happiest on her bike, particularly riding through wine country somewhere
Fun fact: Was part owner of a sushi restaurant.
mezcal and sherry superfan • olympic/power lifter • owner of probably too many board games
Fun fact: Adds olives and vinegar to anything he cooks.
founder of Chuchaqui Cocktails • known to start speaking Spanish or Italian whether prompted or not • proud Ecuadorian-American
Fun fact: Was born with six toes!
continuously counting down to the next trip/concert • jello shot connoisseur • unapologetic Malört pusher
Fun fact: Believes most food is just a vehicle for Ranch dressing.
Virginia native • maker of curious fragrances • tomato lover • bird watcher • maybe a mermaid in a past life
Fun Fact: Certified yoga teacher who pairs her classes with wine.
renowned home cook • swimming pool seeker • forever searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe
Fun fact: Finished high school in Germany and went to uni in England.
once saved Melissa and a group of 30 customers from being locked out of the shop after a trolley event • shop's on-call neighborhood delivery person • can often be found at "Club M" (#iykyk)
Fun fact: "Eight tattoos, seven piercings, two cats, and a cement pet goose named Helen."
tankmates with Speedy and Gonzales (snails) • often overfed • Danny's pride and joy
Fun fact: Neighborhood children call BU the "fish store."
What We're All About
Who are we without each other, and what is life without celebrating it?
Community and camaraderie are at the forefront of all we do. Probably because that’s what we believe the beverage industry is all about. We host events every week because we want to connect with people and connect people to each other (and to great bottles, of course).
At the end of the day, we simply try to make a difference, make people happy, and make sure your glass is full.
"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."
What We Believe
We believe in making a difference.
We believe in saving the planet.
We believe a healthy, balanced life should include enjoying a drink or two. (see: Blue Zones)
We believe sarcasm is an effective form of communication.
We believe in supporting our community and neighborhood businesses.
We believe in good ol’ fashioned kindness.
We believe in the underdogs.
We believe laughing can solve problems or at least make them more tolerable.
We believe shopping small is a way of life.
We believe love is love.
We believe in gender and racial equality.
We believe things are looking Up.
Because we Believe in yoU.
Organizations/Causes We Support
The BeyoU Fund | The Urban Canopy | Causing A Stir | No Kid Hungry | The Alzheimer’s Association | Recork | The Loveland Foundation | the body: a home for love | Greater Chicago Food Depository | Open Books | Magdalene House Chicago | Once Upon Our Time Capsule | Environmental Defense Fund | Global Fund for Women | Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation | American Red Cross | World Central Kitchen | Mutual Aid Disaster Relief | Imagine Water Works | Ukrainian Red Cross | Be the Match | Everytown for Gun Safety | Howard Brown Health | Keep Our Clinics | The Night Ministry | Craft for Climate | Pilot Light | Batonnage: Women in Wine | Nourishing Hope | Brave Space Alliance | Center on Halsted | Wine on Wheels | Ronald McDonald House | Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Vibrant Emotional Health | Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health | Make a Wish Illinois | American Cancer Society | Housing Opportunities for Women | Open Heart Magic | Culinary Care | & Rise | One Tail at a Time | She Became | Direct Relief | Chicago Women’s Health Center | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Empowering Women Is Part of Our Business Plan
Born from our own journey, the BeyoU Fund awards $1,500 (at least!) annually to a Chicago-based female entrepreneur.