SUR was created from a love of food, culture, and connection
Inspired by South American warmth and the feeling of slowing down to truly enjoy the moment
SUR is a cozy and elevated space in the heart of Elgin
where guests can gather over wine, charcuterie boards,
seasonal tapas, empanadas, desserts, tea, mate, and craft cocktails.
More than just a wine bar,
SUR is meant to feel
welcoming, intimate, and full of life;
a place for date nights, deep conversations,
laughter with friends, and evenings that make people want to stay just a little longer.
At SUR, we believe
Some of life’s greatest pleasures are found in the simple moments -
sharing a beautiful drink, enjoying a thoughtfully prepared plate of food, lingering in conversation,
and being fully present with the people around you.
Featured Experiences at SUR Barrels & Boards Wine Bar
Wine Flight of the Month
Featured Conversation Pairing
Featured Conversation Pairing
A rotating selection of wines curated around a region, season, or theme designed to
encourage exploration and conversation.
Featured Conversation Pairing
Featured Conversation Pairing
Featured Conversation Pairing
A special pairing experience built around the idea that the best moments are shared.
Thoughtfully selected drinks and tapas designed to bring people together around the
table.
Staff Favorite Pour
Featured Conversation Pairing
Staff Favorite Pour
A rotating staff-selected wine, cocktail, tea, or seasonal favorite chosen for its story,
flavor, or ability to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.
About Us
Our Story
Over 30 years ago, Guillermo and I moved to the United States from Argentina with a
sense of adventure and a desire to experience the world beyond what we had known.
Along the way, we were fortunate to travel, discover new cultures, cuisines, wines, and
traditions, and build a life centered around family, community, and the joy of sharing
experiences with others.
Many of our favorite memories were created around a table, lingering conversations,
shared meals, music, laughter, and the simple beauty of being present with the people
around us. Everywhere we traveled, we brought home inspiration through flavors,
traditions, and the feeling each place created. As we raised our family, we tried to pass
those experiences on to our children and teach them that food and hospitality are about
much more than what is served; they are about connection, storytelling, and creating
memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
The name SUR Barrels & Boards comes from the Spanish word for “South,”
representing both our South American roots and the warmth, soul, passion, and sense
of togetherness that inspired this space. SUR reflects the atmosphere we always hoped
to create, warm, welcoming, soulful, and rooted in community.
Inspired by South American culture and old-world Mediterranean hospitality, SUR was designed to be a
place where people gather, celebrate, slow down, and truly enjoy being together.
To us, hospitality means making people feel seen, comfortable, and connected. It
means creating a space where guests feel welcomed like family, where conversations
linger, laughter fills the room, and memories are created naturally around the table.
Whether sharing a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board, tapas with friends, or simply a
conversation that lasts a little longer than expected, our hope is that every guest who
walks through our doors feels at home.