Sober Curious in Chicago: Best Non-Alcoholic Wine, Tequila & Adaptogens with In Good Spirits

Join me, Sylvia Perez, for a special LIVE edition of the Supper With Sylvia podcast at the Metropolitan on the 67th floor of Willis Tower. We’ll enjoy a multi-course wine-pairing dinner by Chef Iván Valdez of Taquizas Valdez while I sit down with sommelier Brooke Webster to talk all things wine, her impact in Chicago, and the stories behind each pour. An intimate evening of food, wine, and conversation awaits—high above the Chicago skyline. Get your ticket here: Pours & Podcasts: Wine Dinner with Sylvia Perez Non-alcoholic is no longer “just grape juice.” The sober-curious movement is exploding—from Dry January to Sober October and everything in between—and Chicago’s In Good Spirits is at the front of it. Founders Adriana Gospar (five years alcohol-free) and Hector Diaz (post-cancer, wellness-first) share how pop-ups turned into a West Town destination for NA wine, beer, “tequila,” gin, bourbon…and functional drinks with adaptogens that help you relax or focus—without the booze. We dig into: What de-alcoholized wine actually is (and why it costs real-wine prices) How NA spirits shine in cocktails even without ethanol’s “bite” Functional ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, L-theanine, lion’s mane Their top NA picks for tequila, gin, whiskey-adjacent pours, and beer How Gen Z and “drink-less not none” adults are reshaping nightlife & home rituals Building community : tastings, happy hours, mocktail workshops & a walk club If you’ve wondered how to feel different—without a hangover , this one’s your perfect starter kit. Guests: Adriana Gospar & Hector Diaz—co-founders, In Good Spirits (West Town, Chicago). Visit In Good Spirits IRL in West Town or explore brands directly online. Tell them Supper with Sylvia sent you! Suggested chapter markers 00:00 Intro — Dry January → sober-curious momentum 02:00 Meet Adriana & Hector + origin story 07:30 Pop-ups to West Town shop: community reaction 12:10 What is de-alcoholized wine & why the price? 18:40 Functional bevs & adaptogens explained 25:10 NA “tequila,” agave spirits & cocktail use 31:00 Favorite gin & whiskey-adjacent picks 36:10 NA beer that tastes legit (local Chicago recs) 41:20 How to buy if you’re not in Chicago 45:00 What’s next for In Good Spirits + events 48:00 Final advice for the sober-curious On-air talking points & pull quotes “Think of NA wine as wine that had the alcohol gently removed , not juice.” “ Cocktails are where 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram. 📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.com This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite. 👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun Producer: Jennifer Waters