Sisters Launched Ella Wines Label in Chicago
Sisters Elia and Laura Rodriguez founded the Latina-led wine brand in 2022 to honor their Mexican heritage.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wine
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Elia and Laura Rodriguez launched the Chicago-based wine label Ella Wines in 2022. The brand features 10 different varietals sourced directly from vineyards in Baja California, Mexico.
Why it matters
The founders created this Latina-led startup as a tribute to their late father and their family roots. By bringing Mexican-sourced wine to the Chicago market, the brand connects their heritage to local consumers.
Ella Wines manages its operations out of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and offers a selection of 10 distinct wine varietals. This includes a signature label named Hero, which was created to honor the founders' late father.
The players
Elia Rodriguez
Elia Rodriguez is a co-founder of Ella Wines who helped establish the brand to celebrate her Mexican heritage.
Laura Rodriguez
Laura Rodriguez serves as a co-founder of Ella Wines and manages the brand's expansion in the Chicago market.
The details
The founders actively import their products from Baja California to serve the Chicago area, distinguishing their brand as a Latina-led venture. Beyond sales, the company engages the local community through recurring events such as private wine tastings, cooking classes, and food-centric festivals.
Timeline
Ella Wines was officially launched in 2022.
The Gracias, Vino & Amistad Friendsgiving Wine Dinner will take place on November 18, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Culture Shift
The emergence of Ella Wines reflects the broader growth of Latina-led entrepreneurship within the Midwestern food and beverage sector. This brand highlights a shift toward niche, heritage-focused labels gaining traction against traditional wine market incumbents.
Chicago residents can participate in the brand's growth by attending hosted cooking classes, wine festivals, and private tastings. Those interested in upcoming event details or registration can contact the company directly at (773) 528-2131.
The takeaway
Supporting independent, heritage-based wine brands offers consumers a direct connection to international viticulture traditions. Local events provide an accessible way for Chicago residents to sample boutique varietals while engaging with community-focused small businesses.
What happens next
The company is scheduled to host a Friendsgiving Wine Dinner on November 18, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the local beverage scene, visit our guide to Chicago Wine.
More information
To book upcoming tastings or events, visit the Ella Wines event registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
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