Meet Diana Hamann, The Wine Goddess

Meet Diana Hamann owner of The Wine Goddess, a wine shop and bar located at 702 Main Street in the Main-Dempster Mile District. Here you will find a well-curated selection of interesting wines, an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, and great place to hang out and try a glass (or bottle!) of your next favorite wine.

Can you share some of the history of the Wine Goddess?

We opened December 27, 2012, because who needs Christmas? We started as just a retailer then added wine classes and events, then morphed into a wine bar/retailer. 

What can folks expect when they visit Wine Goddess?

Not that it’s rocket science, but we really know wine here. So as my grandpa used to say, you can “swing a dead cat” and hit something great. Anytime we’re open, we’re also a wine bar, with wine, beer, and a small number of cocktails by the glass. We make a mean cheese and charcuterie plate, are known for our truffle-salted popcorn year-round, and our frozen beverages in the summertime.

We’re definitely community-oriented, so at any given time, you might see a neighbor or two either shopping or having a frosé with friends. 

How do you set yourself apart from other retail shops? 

Our store is pretty! You can definitely tell chicks run the joint. Well, a bunch of ladies, and one General Manager in touch with his feminine side.

How does the Main-Dempster Mile support your business?

MDM is always doing events like “Where’s Waldo,” which at first seem silly to us, but then all sorts of new people come through the door, so what do we know?

Any specials or services (or a fun fact) you’d like people to be aware of?

I have played the title role in Annie three times. 

What is your favorite thing about running a business in Evanston?  

I like the fact that over the years, our customers have become our friends. So every day you go to work with the comfort that you’ll be seeing a bunch of your pals come through the door.