About Uvae
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.
Cate Stuart
Hospitality and Wine Education Manager
Prior to Cate’s joining us in September 2023, she spent 7 years on the West Coast working within the industry in Willamette Valley and Sonoma. She holds a BA in Agricultural Systems, focusing in soil science and plant biology from Southern Illinios.
Cate brings expertise in viticulture to Uvae. She is passionate about the “story-telling” of wine – how soil affects what is found in our wine glass.
She is originally from the Chicago area and is happy to have returned to their roots at Uvae!
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!
Our Certified Sommeliers
Aaron Drost, Level II
Emma Higgins, Level II
Erika Vigen, Level II
Caitlin Moreno, Level II
Carlos Aguiar, Level I
Aaron Koehler, Level I