I'm showing my age.
Sam's, Zimmerman's, Bragno's and a host of lessor known places are gone.
Today I deal with Binny's(Gold Standard) and Woodman's.
I've given up on Futures and having wine imported from Germany for me.
We are drinking what we put away and for every day wine it's Columbia Crest Two Vines and B&G Rose (remarkedly still good after decades, of course it's chaptalized but it tastes good.
Mostly Cordon Negra and the other variants which I have Woodman's order.
Binny's is the source of Champagne and I have an affinity for Rose's.
All the sales people I trusted are gone. Sam's would open bottles for you if they knew you were buying by the case.
I go to no free tastings and very few that I pay for.
Favorite regions, Rheingau, Moselle, Rhienhessen, Champagne, sorry but that's four.
Such is the state of wine as I know it.-Richard

For all of us who are going to keep a deep nostalgia of Fine Wine Brokers on Lincoln for a while, may I suggest to visit:
Independent Spirits, Inc.

5947 N Broadway St ( near Thorndale), Chicago, IL 60660,
Phone (773) 989-2115
Web site independentspiritsinc.com
It is a very pleasant and eclectic wine and liquor store with a very astute and unusual selection of wines, aperitifs, brandies and eaux de vie from all over the world. Scott Crestodina, the very competent and friendly owner, was for a few years manager of Fine wine Brokers, and will be able to provide a great assistance in helping do the right choice for every occasion.

Any updates on this thread?

I'm going to be in the Chicago area (O'Hare / North Suburbs (ie, Schaumberg, Arlington Heights) later this month, and would like to stock up on some wine (I live in a small town with very limited selection, so when I go out of town I go on buying sprees).

I'm particularly looking for a good source of Alsatians.

Any recommendations?

If you're looking in the suburbs try Larry Kaplan at the Wine Cellar.

The Wine Cellar
http://www.thewinecellaronline.com/
Village Oasis Shopping Center, 361 W Northwest Hwy, Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 776-1000

In the far west suburbs, I recommend vin chicago. They don't have as many super low priced bottles as before, but still an interesting selection. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.

Vin Chicago
2827 Aurora Avenue
Naperville
630-717-7800

Also, Geneva Wine Cellars & Tasting Room has another nicely curated selection, fun events, and great staff. Wines you don't find everywhere else. They also have jazz performances weekly.

Geneva Wine Cellars & Tasting Room
227 S 3rd Street
Geneva
630-232-8888