About Uvae


Our story, our work, our love.

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  owner and sommelier of Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar

Aaron Drost

Hospitality Manager, Sommelier, Wine Educator

Born and raised in New England, Aaron Drost relocated from Boston over 3 years ago. With hands-on experience with service and event coordination, hospitality has always been his driving force. 

A self-proclaimed ‘history nerd’, his passion for storytelling and ‘armchair travel’ is what makes him most excited about wine! He loves to analyze (and drink!) wine, but the story of the producers, the specialty of the land and the history of the region are just as important to him as the final product in your glass. 

Beyond that, Aaron is just as passionate about Cheese, as all cheese has a story too! As our Cheesemonger, Aaron is excited to continue to provide dynamic offerings on our cheese board.

While he officially resides in Edgewater, he is proud to be part of the Andersonville community.

Cate Stuart

Hospitality and Wine Educator 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!

Our Certified Sommeliers

Emma Higgins, Level II

Erika Vigen, Level II

Carlos Aguiar, Level I

Caitlin Moreno, Level II

Aaron Koehler, Level I