Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar

About us

Uvae is a community minded, neighborhood small business committed to approachability, diversity, and inclusivity. Our globally inspired menu is designed to be shared and paired with our extensive wine list.

Meet Our Team


Lindsey Anderson-Perez

Owner, Sommelier

Lindsey began her journey in the hospitality industry at the age of 16 as a cake decorator followed by serving at restaurants by age 18. After graduating from Kendall College in 2006 with a degree in Hospitality Management she sought to expand her professional experience and returned in 2014 as a student of the Wine Professional Program, earning her Level III Sommelier Certification. Lindsey has been a Level I Wine Apprentice instructor at Kendall College since 2017.

Throughout her career, Lindsey has been a partner and investor with several different restaurant concepts in Chicago. She has consulted and assisted with opening several current and past restaurants in the city. With a passion and understanding of wine and wine connoisseurs alike, Lindsey opened Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar in June 2019. In November 2021, Uvae was expanded to include The Fromagerie & Tasting Room featuring retail wine & cheese, weekly wine classes and as a private event space.

Outside of the restaurant, Lindsey spends time traveling with her husband and family, currently checking off the National Parks, visiting tropical destinations in the depth of the Chicago winters, and of course, wine centered destinations. She also enjoys cooking, entertaining and gardening and giving back to the community by volunteering and supporting local non profit organizations. Uvae supports The Evolved Network, Care for Real & The Chicago French Bulldog Rescue as our dedicated charities, hosting events and supporting fundraisers throughout the year.

Lindsey Anderson-Perez

Erika Vigen

Hospitality Manager

Erika's journey into the Wine industry has been an interesting one. After receiving a Master of Science degree in Biology at Loyola University Chicago, she decided against medical school and went into IT, where she worked as a Project Manager at various Fortune 50 companies for just over 10 years.

After this decade, a pandemic, and a trip to Sonoma wine country for her 30th birthday, she confirmed that she was, in fact, very done with the corporate world. She applied at Uvae in February 2022 and started a month later just as a Host. After taking advantage of all the education opportunities Uvae had to offer - staff meetings, wine tasting classes, and going through the first level of the Wine Professional Program at Kendall College, she became a Server at Uvae. In September 2023, she officially left her IT job to work in the restaurant industry full time.

Erika continued her education at Kendall, earning her Level III Sommelier Certification in December 2024; a title she is most proud of thus far! During this time, she also took on more responsibilities at Uvae and became a regular Class Instructor and the Fromagerie Manager. She joined the Hospitality Management team in July 2025.

When Erika isn't at Uvae, you can find her buried in a book or crafting, usually with her Chihuahua, Lars, very close by.

Erika Vigen

Emma Higgins

Bar and Beverage Manager

Emma was born and raised in New York City, but became a self-proclaimed “midwest honey” when she first moved to Minnesota to attend Macalester College. After casting aside her political science degree and quitting the legislature, Emma realized that her love of cooking, eating, and drinking wine were more than just hobbies. In the covid-years since college, the worst possible time to get into the service industry, Emma searched for every possible restaurant experience. At a small, somewhat stuffy French bistro on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, she learned the importance of guest perception. At a beloved local bakery in Saint Paul, she learned how to perfect a pie crust. Sweating and yelling on the expo line at burger bar in Minneapolis, she learned how to communicate effectively.

Emma moved to Chicago in 2022, determined to learn about wine. Within a month, she was working at Uvae. Over the past two years, with Uvae’s support, Emma has pursued her Sommelier certification through Kendall College and is excited to be moving into the role of Beverage Director. Come to one of her Saturday classes or try one of her signature cocktails!

Emma Higgins

Our Certified Sommeliers

Erika Vigen, Level III

Emma Higgins, Level III

Caitlin Moreno, Level II

Eren Bilikmen, Level II

Carlos Aguiar, Level II

Sarah Casey, Level I

Asha Larkins, Level I