Two people, one small town, and a shared love of good wine.
Sarah Chen spent a decade as a sommelier at some of Chicago's most celebrated wine bars, building a reputation for her ability to match the right bottle to any occasion. James Whitfield worked the line at Michelin-starred kitchens before becoming the executive chef at a beloved West Loop bistro. They met over a shared obsession with natural wines and a quiet suspicion that the best dining experiences didn't need to happen in big cities.
In 2022, a weekend trip to Lincoln's New Salem changed everything. They drove through Petersburg on the way back, stopped at the town square for coffee, and noticed a century-old storefront with copper-trimmed windows sitting empty. Six months later, they signed the lease. The Copper Vine opened its doors in the spring of 2023.
Their vision was simple: bring the kind of wine bar experience you'd find in Chicago's best neighborhoods to a small town that deserved one. Not pretentious, not exclusive — just thoughtful wine, honest food, and a room that feels like it belongs to the people who fill it.
We believe great wine should be approachable, and great food should reflect where it comes from. Every dish on our menu starts with ingredients sourced within 100 miles whenever the season allows — from Sangamon Valley farms, Illinois orchards, and artisan producers we've come to know by first name.
Our wine list balances Old World elegance with New World curiosity, and we're especially proud to pour wines from Illinois vineyards in the Shawnee Hills. We want every glass to start a conversation, whether you're a collector or someone who just knows what they like.
The copper in our name comes from the original window frames in this building. We kept them. They remind us that the best things aren't always new — sometimes they just need the right people to notice them.
The people behind every pour and every plate
Owner & Sommelier
Certified Sommelier with 12 years in Chicago's wine scene. Sarah curates every bottle on the list and hosts the Friday tasting flights. She has a particular weakness for Burgundian Pinot Noir and Illinois Viognier.
Owner & Executive Chef
Former sous chef at two Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago. James brings classical technique to rustic, seasonal ingredients. His braised short rib has become the dish people drive from Springfield to eat.
Bar Manager
Maria joined the team from a craft cocktail bar in St. Louis. She designed the signature cocktail menu and manages the bar program with a focus on seasonal ingredients and house-made syrups.