Raise A Glass To Your ‘Ema’

Meaning ‘mother’ in Hebrew, Ēma is the perfect place to toast Mom this Mother's Day

Whether you have a Mother’s Day reservation at Ēma in River North or Glenview, or are planning another family dinner soon, Sommelier John C. Slatter can help you uncork the essence of Mediterranean summer with wine recommendations that everyone—including your own “Ēma”—will love! From rosé to bubbles, Ēma offers a robust list of more than 70 globally-sourced selections at the Glenview location alone, including wineries practicing organic and natural production with ancient grape varietals from Greece, Lebanon and Italy. Check out John’s picks for the best wines to enjoy with your Mother’s Day mezze spread! 

Still need a gift for Mother’s Day? Get her tickets to Sip With The Sommelier: A Greek Wine Tasting Class at Ema Glenview on Tuesday, May 13! Click here to purchase tickets now.

View the menus at Ēma in River North and Glenview and reserve now.

Chateau del Ish Zero-Proof Sparkling White

John says this delightful non-alcoholic option from Copenhagen, Denmark, combines Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner “for a subtly sweet and slightly bubbly start to the meal.” Even without the buzz, each glass leaves little to be desired, with notes of ripe red apple and juicy honeysuckle. Best as a celebratory start to the meal, or to end on a sweet note (along with a Frozen Greek Yogurt)! PERFECT PAIRING: House-Made Labneh with strawberry rhubarb jam, opal basic, lime and mint

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Domaine Landron “Amphibolite”, FRANCE, 2022

Go big for Mom with a tableside pour from a magnum bottle of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, available only at Ema – River North on Sunday, May 11! Special for Mother’s Day, John says this bone-dry white wine from Nantes on the Atlantic Coast in Northwest France offers a “fresh, clean mouth-feel and noticeable mineral character ideal for enjoying with all her Mediterranean-inspired favorites.” Fun fact: Domaine Landron has been a leader in organic and biodynamic winemaking since the 1950s! PERFECT PAIRING: Red Beet Hummus with tahina, dill and olive oil 

Savitiano, Mylonas “Naked Truth”, Attiki, GREECE, 2022

If you’re considering a bottle for the table, John recommends opting for “Naked Truth,” exclusive to Ēma – Glenview. He says that this orange wine from Mylonas, a winery in Athens, is crafted entirely from the Savatiano grape, a historical and popular grape that produces wine with notably fruity and herbal aromas. With a focus on organic and minimal intervention, this unfiltered selection brings a taste of Greece to the table. Yamas! PERFECT PAIRING: Truffled Salmon with roasted garlic, chive and crispy leek 

Grenache et al., Esprit Gassier, Côtes de Provence, FRANCE, 2023

Beautifully fresh and vibrant, John says this rosé from acclaimed organic winery Chateau Gassier in the legendary rosé-producing region Côtes de Provence, is “round-bodied, fruity and ripe with notes of white peach, watermelon and orange blossom.” Ideal for sipping on the patio in River North or under the skylight in Glenview, this might just be Mom’s new go-to all summer long! PERFECT PAIRING: Grilled Asparagus with ricotta salata, California bay leaf and ramp vinaigrette

Celebrating at home?

Add Ēma favorites to your Mother’s Day spread with Mediterranean-inspired catering options such as the Mediterranean Feast, Spreads Platter, Boxed Lunches and a la carte favorites each serving 8-10 guests.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Ēmas!