Picnic Wine & Provisions offers a Rogers Park destination for fine wines, gourmet food and gift baskets: All things “picnic”. Owned and operated by local entrepreneur, Liz Ahearn, Picnic brings people together to share ideas and get to know their neighbors over wine, food and art. Picnic embraces the changing seasons with a sustainably sourced, rotating menu, and aligns with community needs for an inclusive, safe place for all. Public and private events highlight art openings, musical gatherings, wine tastings and classes. Come in for your groceries and stay for a glass of wine and inspiring conversation in a comfortable setting.
Community, Quality, Integrity, Positivity, Inclusivity
Welcome to Picnic Wine & ProvisionsOur mission is to gather community, share experiences
and inspire adventure through wine, food and art.
Liz Ahearn
Proprietor
Picnic Wine & Provisions is owned and operated by Liz Ahearn. With more than 20 years in business, including running her own financial consulting and event planning companies, Liz brings her long held passion for wine, food and travel to her latest venture, Picnic. Liz believes fine wine, food and conversation are good for the soul and the community. With a strong understanding of her customers, her goal is to choose high quality and unique products that her clients will love and be inspired to enjoy. Picnic Wine & Provisions enables Ms. Ahearn to blend her business acumen with her passion for wine, food and travel as well as strong interest in community building.
Alicia Obertine
General Manager
Alicia has an associates in Culinary arts and a Bachelors in Hospitality Management from Kendall College Culinary School. She has worked at hotels, wine bars, restaurants and retail; most notably moto, Vinic, and Eno. During this time she became a Certified Specialist of Wine.
Her biggest inspiration came in 2012 when she worked a vintage at Mahi Winery in New Zealand. She was inspired by the natural landscape, the warmth of the locals, and having the opportunity to visit so many different wineries in a small region. Her philosophy is that you should drink what you enjoy!
Alicia enjoys helping customers try grapes or styles that they may not have had a chance to before.
Kristen Leslie
Assistant Wine Buyer
Kirsten is our assistant wine buyer and enthusiast. She became fascinated with wine while living and singing in Florence, Italy in 2005.
“I fell deeply in love with Tuscan wines, food and culture.”
Her passion for wine came to a head the summer of 2020 during the pandemic when she met Liz Ahearn, Owner of Picnic Wine and Provisions. During the cold winter of 2020, they still scheduled wine tastings and other events outdoors – socially distanced and masked with heat lamps, a fire pit, and blankets.
In the midst of difficult times was born a new “freezing temperature wine tasting culture” – not to be forgotten!
